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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1818 MeyerPHONE: 717-783­1610 TOLL FREI"H: 1 -800.-932-0936 In Re: Dieter Meyer, Respondent STATE ETHICS C01MMISSION FINANCE BUILDING 613 NORTH SIRIEET ROOM 309 ­ �7120-0400: HARRISBURG, FIA File Docket: Order No. Date Decided: Date Mailed: 21-025 1818 4/12/23 4/14/23 Before: Shelley Y. Simms, Chair Michael A. Schwartz, Vice Chair Rhonda Hill Wilson Paul E. Parsells David L. Reddeeliff This is a final adjudication of the State Ethics Commission.] F-ACSIMILE: 717-787-0806 WEBWE: Wwrti.eRh7 fE,.�a.gpv Procedurally, the Investigative Division of the State Ethics Commission conducted an investigation regarding possible violation(s) of the Public Official and Employee Ethics Act ("Ethics Act"), 65 Pa.C.S. § 1101 et M., by the above -named Respondent. At the commencement of its investigation, the Investigative Division served upon Respondent written notice of the specific allegations. Upon completion of its investigation, the Investigative Division issued and served upon Respondent a Findings Report identified as an "Investigative Complaint." A Stipulation of Findings and a Consent Agreement were subsequently submitted by the parties to the Commission for consideration. The Stipulated Findings are set forth as the Findings in this Order, The Consent Agreement has been approved. 1. ALLEGATIONS: That Dieter Meyer, a public official/public employee in his capacity as a Member of the Board of the North and South Shenango Joint Municipal Authority ("Authority"), violated Sections 1103 (a), I 104(a), 11 05(a), and I I 05(b)(2) of the Ethics Act: (1) When lie used the authority of his public position for the private pecuniary benefit of himself and/or a member of his immediate family when he participated in Authority votes to approve guest attendance and/or expense payments; when lie incurred and charged expenses of a personal nature to authority credit cards and accounts when traveling on Authority business for conferences and/or conventions; and when he submitted for reimbursement expenses of a personal nature alleged to have been paid in cash or by personal credit card; ' Cornniissioner Robert P. Caruso reCUsed hirnself ftoni this matter and did not participate in the deliberations involving this case. Meyer, 21-025 Page 2 (2) When he approved payments to vendors and/or credit card companies or himself for personal expenses incurred while traveling on Authority business; (3) When he failed to file Statements of Financial Interests for calendar years 2016, 2017, 2018, and 2019; and (4) When he filed a deficient Statement of Financial Interests for calendar year 2020 by failing to identifyhis occupation or profession and incorrectly dating his form. II. FINDINGS: 1. Dieter Meyer ("Meyer") served as a Member of the Board of the North and South Shenango Joint Municipal Authority ("Authority") beginning January 6, 2003. a. Meyer was appointed to the Authority Board for a five-year term by the North Shenango Township Board of Supervisors at its reorganization meeting on January 6, 2003, and he was reappointed to additional five-year terms at subsequent reorganization meetings on January 7, 2008, January 7, 2013, and January 2, 2018. I. Meyer sent a letter dated November 13, 2020, to the North Shenango Township Board of Supervisors, resigning from the Authority Board effective January 4, 2021. b. Meyer served as Secretary of the Authority Board from at least January 14, 2004, until he resigned his position on the Authority Board effective January 4, 2021. C. Meyer was not compensated in his position as an Authority Board Member. d. Meyer lived out of state during the investigative years but owned property within North Shenango Township which qualified him to be on the Authority Board. 1. Meyer attended the Authority Board meetings via telephone or a web conference platform. 2. The Authority was formed in 1974 as a j oint authority by the Townships of North Shenango and South Shenango. a. Articles of Incorporation were filed with the Pennsylvania Department of State on December 5, 1974. b. The Authority was formed pursuant to the requirements of the Pennsylvania Municipality Authorities Act of 1945, as amended. c. As a Municipal Authority, its purpose is to construct, finance, and operate a wastewater treatment facility for the area of North and South Shenango Townships. Meyer, 21-025 rage 3 3. Bylaws of the Authority were originally adopted on December 30, 1974, and Certificates of Amendments were issued by the Pennsylvania Department of State on July 12, 1988, and October 19, 2011. a. The amendments extended the existence of the Authority to the date of December 31, 2028, and then to the date of July 15, 2061, respectively. b. When establishing the Authority, the North Shenango Township Supervisors and the South Shenango Township Supervisors chose not to allow the Authority Board Members to be compensated. 4. Article II of the Authority Bylaws provided for the appointment of officers including: Chairman Vice Chairman Secretary Treasurer Assistant Secretary -Treasurer 5. The Chairman, as identified in the Authority Bylaws, "shall preside at all meetings of the Board of the Authority. Except as otherwise authorized by resolution of the Board of the Authority, the Chairman shall sign all contracts, deeds and other instruments made by the Authority. At each meeting, the Chairman shall submit such recommendations and information as he may consider proper concerning the business, affairs and policies of the Authority." 6. The Authority is governed by a six -Member Board, with three Members appointed by the North Shenango Township Supervisors and three Members appointed by the South Shenango Township Supervisors. a. Board Members are appointed to a five-year term unless they are appointed to fill an unexpired term. b. The Authority holds one meeting a month on the second Wednesday of the month. 1. The annual reorganization meeting is held the second Wednesday in January before the regular monthly Authority Board meeting. 2. Voting occurs at the one monthly meeting unless specifically advertised otherwise. 3. Special meetings are held as necessary. 7. At all times relevant to the investigation, the Board of the Authority was represented by a Solicitor, who represented the Authority Board for approximately 20 years. Meyer, 21-025 Page 4 8. At all times relevant to the investigation, voting at Authority Board meetings occurred via an individual roll call vote. a. Each individual Authority Board Member's vote, including abstentions, was recorded on the voting roster by Authority General Manager Michael Klink ("Klink"). 1. The Authority Board meeting minutes prepared by Klink identified unanimous votes, individual no votes, and individual abstentions. aa. The Authority Board meeting minutes did not identify individual yes votes. 9. Klink emailed or mailed via U.S. First Class Mail a meeting packet to the Authority Board Members the Friday before the meeting. a. Information in the meeting packet included the meeting agenda, prior month's meeting minutes, financial report, bill list, manager's report, correspondence received, collection procedures report, and consulting engineer's report. 10. The financial report included a general ledger report and a list of checks written during the prior month. a. Included in the financial report were checks written to Meyer, if applicable, in the prior month for reimbursement of expenses he incurred. b. Included in the financial report were checks written to Meyer for web hosting/maintenance and website updates work he did for the Authority. 11. The bill list identified the bills to be paid which had been received at the Authority from the last Authority Board meeting until the current Authority Board meeting. a. At each Authority Board meeting, Authority Bookkeeper Susan Dvorsky ("Dvorsky") presented the bills/invoices to be paid on a table for Authority Board Members to review and approve for payment. I. Included in these bills/invoices laid out by Dvorsky were statements for Authority -issued credit cards and the receipts. aa. Dvorsky typically requested an itemized receipt for each individual charge on an Authority -issued credit card. b. The bill list only included the total monthly payment for each Authority -issued credit card bill. Mom, 21-025 Page 5 1. The bill list did not identify each individual charge on the Authority -issued credit card(s). 12. From January 2016 through December 2020, signature authority over the Authority accounts rested with the Chairman and Vice Chairman, at a minimum. a. Authority checks required two authorized signatories. b. Since at least January 2016 until December 2020, Valerie Kean Staab ("Kean Staab") was an authorized signer on the Authority bank account along with Vice Chairman John Tucker ("Tucker"). C. The Authority instituted a facsimile stamp with the Board Chairman's and the Board Treasurer's signatures on one stamp. 1. The facsimile stamp had the signatures of Kean Staab and Tucker. aa. The stamp was made prior to 2016 when Tucker had signature authority as Board Treasurer. d. Using the facsimile stamp, Klink signed the Authority checks and then initialed by the stamp signatures, indicating that the purchase was legitimate and that the Authority Board could approve payment. 13. Prior to 2020 the Authority did not have a comprehensive operations manual outlining its day-to-day operations. a. The Authority did have an Employee Personnel Policy Handbook which had a revision date of April 20, 2009, 14. At the January 11, 2017, January 10, 2018, and January 9, 2019, reorganization meetings, the Authority Board voted to approve payment of out-of-pocket expenses and a mileage rate in accordance with the IRS per mile rate, related to travel for general training for Authority Board Members, employees, and their guests. a. At the January 2016 reorganization meeting, the Authority Board voted to approve the payment of out-of-pocket expenses related to travel for general training for Authority Board Members and employees. 15. Meeting minutes since at least 2016 reflect that the Authority Board did not vote on attending specifically identified conferences, trainings, or meetings. a. The meeting minutes sometimes identified a conference, training, or meeting and who was attending. M ye e_r, 21-025 Page 6 b. The meeting minutes do not show any discussion or information shared as to what was learned when Authority Board Members or employees attended the conferences, trainings, or meetings. 16. Typically, before traveling to conferences, Klink or Dvorsky would prepare and submit a Mileage Report Form for Authority Board Members requesting mileage reimbursement from the Authority. a. The mileage reimbursement form showed the start date and end date of the travel, the start and end destination, the purpose, the number of miles traveled in each segment of the travel, and the amount to be paid, i.e., total number of miles traveled times the applicable federal mileage reimbursement rate. 1. An Authority check was then issued to the traveler. b. Kean Staab identified the travel dates for the out-of-state trips. 17. The Authority's annual budget had a line item for Authority Board expenses which included funds to travel to conferences, trainings, and meetings. a. Since 2013 the Board Expense budgeted line item and the amount spent were as shown: 201.3 2014 2015 2016 Budget Actual Budget Actual Budget Actual Budget Actual $7,000 $2,652 $10,000 $22,928 $20,000 $25,945 * $10,000 $16,259 2017 2018 2019 Budget Actual Budget Actual Budget Actual $10,000 $20,172** $10,000 $30,522 1 $10,000 $19,271*** *Per Black Bashor & Porsch audit; Authority shows $27,224 **Per Black Bashor & Porsch audit; Authority shows $19,990 ***Per Maloney Reed Scarpitti & Company audit 18. In 2004 Klink was hired as the General Manager of the Authority. a. Soon after being hired as the General Manager, Klink was issued an Authority credit card. 1. Beginning in 2016, Klink used an Authority -issued First National Bank Visa credit card ending in 5754. 19. In 2015, Dvorsky was hired at the Authority as the Authority Secretary/Bookkeeper. a. She was issued an Authority credit card. Meyer, 21-025 Page 7 1. Beginning in 2016, Dvorsky used an Authority -issued First National Bank Visa credit card ending in 5770. THE FOLLOWING FINDINGS RELATE TO MEYER'S EXPENSES IN RELATION TO PENNSYLVANIA MUNICIPAL AUTHORITIES ASSOCIATION EVENTS ATTENDED IN 2016, 2017, 2018, AND 2019. 20. The Pennsylvania Municipal Authorities Association ("PMAA") is the recognized association for municipal authorities in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. a. PMAA, founded in 1941, was established "to assist municipal authorities in providing services that protect and enhance the environment and promote the economic vitality and general welfare of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and its citizens." 21. PMAA is divided into ten regions. a. Crawford County is located in Region 8. b. The Authority is located within the boundaries of Region 8. 22. PMAA holds various events for the benefit of its Members, including the following: a. Annual Conference and Trade Show; b. Board Member training; and C. Dinner meetings in the spring and fall for each region. 23. The Authority Board meeting minutes for all years relevant to this matter only show who attended the 2016 PMAA conference. 24. Meyer, as an Authority Board Member, has regularly attended various events hosted by PMAA. 25. PMAA has an Annual Conference and Trade Show ("Annual Conference") in or around August or September of each year. a. The location of the Annual Conference varies from year to year, alternating between a location in the western part of the Commonwealth, a location in the eastern part of the Commonwealth, and a central location. b. As part of the registration fee, the Annual Conference provides some meals at no extra charge for those attending the Annual Conference. Mey,e,r, 21-025 Page 8 Dinner, as well as some of the other meals, are an additional charge. aa. The attendee's spouse/guest can attend these dinners for an additional charge. 2. Some meals are complimentary for both the attendee and their spouse/guest but require registration. c. The Annual Conference has a "Spouse Program" for the spouses/guests of attendees in which they tour/visit a local point of interest. 1. Some of the Spouse Program tours are an additional charge. 26. As a Member of the Authority Board, Meyer attended the Annual Conference from at least 2016 through 2019. a. In addition to Meyer, attendees at the PMAA Annual Conferences from 2016 through 2019 included Kean Staab, Tucker, Tucker's significant other, Linda Baker ("Baker"), and Klink. 1. Kean Staab was appointed to the Authority Board by North Shenango Township on January 2, 2001, and she served until resigning her position effective January 4, 2021. 2. Tucker was appointed to the Authority Board by South Shenango Township on April 13, 1981, and he served until March 9, 2021. b. Authority Board Member Larry Jewart and Authority Secretary Dvorsky also attended the 2018 Annual Conference in Erie, Pennsylvania. 1. Jewart was appointed to the Authority Board by South Shenango Township on August 9, 2016, and he continues to serve. 2016 ANNUAL CONFERENCE — WYNDHAM GRAND, PITTSBURGH 27. The 2016 Annual Conference was held in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania from Sunday, August 28, 2016, through Wednesday, August 31, 2016, at the Wyndham Grand Pittsburgh Downtown located at 600 Commonwealth Place, Pittsburgh, PA 15222. 28. The Authority paid a conference registration fee of $285.00 for Meyer to attend the Annual Conference. a. Dvorsky registered the Authority attendees for the Annual Conference. b. The conference registration fee was charged on July 26, 2016, to Dvorsky's Authority -issued First National Bank Visa credit card 5770. Meyer, 21-025 Page 9 1. Dvorsky's Authority -issued Visa credit card statement ending September 2, 2016, showed payment of the registration fee via an internet payment on August 26, 2016. aa. At the September 14, 2016, Authority Board meeting, the Authority Board voted to approve the August 2016 financial report which included the $1,513.90 total payment for First National Bank Visa credit card 5770 that included Meyer's Annual Conference registration fee. i. Meyer was present and voted to approve the August 2016 financial report. C. The Annual Conference registration fee included complimentary breakfasts for registrants on Monday, August 29, 2016, and Tuesday, August 30, 2016, and a complimentary lunch on Tuesday, August 30, 2016. 29. Meyer was registered for PMAA-sponsored events that required an additional fee to be paid as shown below; Date Event Cost 8/29/2016 Professional Luncheon $29.00 8/29/2016 Heinz Field Dinner & Tour $59.00 8/30/2016 Awards Banquet $59.00 8/31/2016 Wednesday Breakfast $21.00 Total $168.00 a. The fees to attend the additional events were paid with Authority check #8998 issued August 19, 2016, with facsimile signatures of Kean Staab and Tucker and initialed by Klink. 1. At the September 14, 2016, Authority Board meeting, the Authority Board voted to approve the August 2016 financial report which included check #8998 dated August 19, 2016, payable to PMAA for $870.00. aa. Meyer was present and voted to approve the August 2016 financial report. 30. Meyer was registered to stay at the Wyndham Grand Pittsburgh Downtown located at 600 Commonwealth Place, Pittsburgh, PA 15222. a. Meyer arrived on Saturday, August 27, 2016, and departed on Wednesday, August 31, 2016. Meyer., 21-025 Page 10 1. Wyndham Grand records showed Meyer's check -in time at 3:1 S p.m. on Saturday, August 27, 2016, and checkout time at 1:06 p.m. on Wednesday, August 31, 2016. b. The standard room rate was $189.00/night plus taxes on Saturday night, August 27, 2016, and $179.00/night plus taxes Sunday night, August 28, 2016, through Tuesday night, August 30, 2016, 1. Meyer was charged a $30.00/day fee for valet parking for his four -night stay. 2. Meyer had a charge to his room on Saturday, August 27, 2016, of $48.66 for the Three Rivers Restaurant on the hotel property. 31. Annual Conference registration occurred on Sunday, August 28, 2016, from 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., and the Annual Conference "Welcome" started at 8:30 p.m. on Sunday, August 28, 2016. a. The Authority paid an additional $189,00 plus taxes for Meyer's Saturday night at the Wyndham Grand. I. The Authority paid an additional $30.00/day parking fee for valet parking and $48.66 for a restaurant charge to Meyer's room, both occurring on Saturday night. 32. Charges to Meyer's room account at the Wyndham Grand included the following: Total Occupancy Valet Restaurant Expense Date Weekday Room Taxes Parking Charges Per Day 8/27/2016 Saturday $199.00 $26.46 $30.00 $48.66 $294.12 8/28/2016 Sunday $179.00 $25.06 $30.00 - $234.06 8/29/2016 Monday $179.00 $25.06 $30.00 - $234,06 8/30/2016 Tuesday $179.00 $25.06 $30.00 - $234.06 Total $996.30 a. Meyer's hotel charge of $996.30 was paid with Klink's Authority -issued Visa credit card 5754 on August 31, 2016. 1. Authority records show that the credit card with the hotel charges was paid via an internet payment on September 22, 2016. aa. At the October 12, 2016, Authority Board meeting, the Authority Board voted to approve the financial report for September 2016 which included the payment of $5,348.14 to First National Bank Visa credit card 5754 that included the payment of Meyer's hotel charges. lvteyer, 21-025 Page 11 Meyer was present and voted to approve the September 2016 financial report. 33. The Annual Conference offered a complimentary breakfast and hunch on Tuesday, August 30, 2016, and Meyer was registered for the Awards Banquet that night. a. Klink's hotel folio showed the following three charges at Wyndham Grand Downtown Pittsburgh: 8/30/2016 Three Rivers Restaurant $72.99 8/30/2016 Three Rivers Pub $152.58 8/30/2016 Three Rivers Pub $129.56 1. Wyndham Grand did not provide receipts for the three restaurant/pub charges on Klink's folio. 2. Three Rivers Restaurant's hours were approximately Monday through Saturday, 6:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. for breakfast and lunch, and then 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. for dinner. aa. Klink and some of the Authority attendees had lunch on Tuesday, August 30, 2016, at the Three Rivers Restaurant. 3. Three Rivers Pub was open approximately from noon to midnight serving alcohol and also burgers, sandwiches, wings, salads, and appetizer -type food. b. The Authority attendees often met in a restaurant/bar on the hotel property before and after the Awards Banquet and had food and drink. l . Tucker and Balser usually did not participate in the group gathering prior to the Awards Banquet because Tucker was assisting with the event, but they did participate with the group after the Awards Banquet. 2. The Authority paid for six tickets to the Awards Banquet; Meyer's share of the Three Rivers Pub receipt ($152.58) before the Awards Banquet was $38.15. aa. Meyer's share of the Three Rivers Pub receipt ($129.56) after the Awards Banquet was $21.59. C. Authority records show Klink's hotel charge of $1,13 8.22, including the restaurant charges, was paid via an internet payment on September 22, 2016. 1. At the October 12, 2016, Authority Board meeting, the Authority Board voted to approve the financial report for September 2016 which included Meyer, 21-025 Page 12 the payment of $5,349,14 for First National Bank Visa credit card 5754 that included the payment of Klink's hotel charges. aa. Meyer was present and voted to approve the September 2016 financial report. 34. The Authority paid additional personal expenses of $363.86 for Meyer to attend the 2016 Annual Conference. Date Weekday Expense Amount 9/27/2016 Saturday Three Rivers Restaurant ck 93250 $48.66 8/27/2016 Saturday Valet Parking 000-496 8/27/16 $30.00 8/27/2016 Saturday Guest Room & taxes $215.46 8/30/2016 Tuesday Three Rivers Restaurant ($152.58 4 guests $38.15 ea) $38.15 8/30/2016 Tuesday Three Rivers Restaurant ($129.56 6 guests $21.59 ea) $21.59 8/31/2016 Wednesday Pit Yellow Cab Pittsburgh PA $10.00 Total $363.86 2017 ANNUAL CONFERENCE - HERSHEY LODGE, HERSHEY 35, The 2017 Annual Conference was held in Hershey, Pennsylvania from Sunday, September 10, 2017, through Wednesday, September 13, 2017, at the Hershey Lodge & Convention Center, 325 University Drive, Hershey, PA t7033. 36. The Authority paid a conference registration fee of $325.00 for Meyer to attend the Annual Conference. a. The conference registration fee was charged on August 21, 2017, to Klink's Authority -issued Visa credit card 5754. 1. Klink's credit card statement showed payment of the registration fee via internet payment on September 26, 2017. aa. At the October 11, 2017, Authority Board meeting, the Authority Board voted to approve the September 2017 financial report which included the payment to Klink's First National Bank Visa credit card 5754 that included Meyer's Annual Conference registration fee. Meyer was present and voted to approve the September 2017 financial report. b. The Annual Conference registration fee included complimentary breakfasts for registrants on Monday, September 11, 2017, and Tuesday, September 12, 2017, and a complimentary lunch on Tuesday, September 12, 2017. 37. Meyer was registered for PMAA-sponsored events that required an additional fee to be paid as shown below: M yer, 21-025 Page 13 Date Event Cost Media Relations for Municipal Officers -Manager 9/ 10/2017 lunch $29.00 9/11/2017 Awards Banquet $59.00 9/12/2017 PMAA Then and Now $59.00 9/13/2017 Meet Milton Hershey: The War Years $21.00 Total $168.00 a. The fees to attend the additional PMAA-sponsored events were charged on August 21, 2017, to Klink's Authority -issued Visa credit card 5754. 1. Klink's credit card statement showed payment of the charges for the additional events via internet payment on September 26, 2017. aa. At the October 11, 2017, Authority Board meeting, the Authority Board voted to approve the September 2017 financial report which included the payment to First National Bank Visa credit card 5754 that included Meyer's additional PMAA-sponsored event fees. i. Meyer was present and voted to approve the September 2017 financial report. 38. Meyer was registered to stay at the Hershey Lodge. & Convention Center, Hershey, PA 17033. a. The room rate was $189.00/night. b. Meyer arrived on Saturday, September 9, 2017, and departed on Wednesday, September 13, 2017. 39. Annual Conference registration occurred on Sunday, September 10, 2017, from 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., and the Annual Conference "Welcome" started at 8:00 p.m. on Sunday, September 10, 2017. a. The Authority paid an additional $189.00 plus $20.79 in taxes for Meyer's Saturday night room at the Hershey Lodge & Convention Center. 1. The Authority paid $23.00 for alcoholic beverages charged to Meyer's room on Saturday, September 9, 2016. 40. Charges to Meyer's room account at the Hershey Lodge & Convention Center included the following: Date Wael ay Description Charse 9/9/2017 Saturday Room/Package $189.00 9/9/2017 Saturday Lodge Lobby Bar $23.00 Meyer, 21-025 Page 14 41. 9/10/2017 Sunday 9/10/2017 Sunday 9/10/2017 Sunday 9/1I/2017 Monday 9/12/2017 Tuesday 6/6/2017 9/13/2017 Wednesday Room/Package $189.00 Fire & Grain $20.48 Lodge Beanery $3.75 Room/Package $189.00 Room/Package $189.00 County Occupancy Tax $37.80 Occupancy 'Fax $45.36 Total $886.39 Deposit Visa 5754 $199.79 Balance Due Visa 5754 $686.60 The total hotel charge for Meyer's stay was $886.39. a. On June 6, 2017, a deposit of $199.79 to hold the room was charged to Klink's Authority -issued Visa credit card ending 5754. 1. Authority records show that the credit card with the hotel down payment was paid via an internet payment on July 26, 2017. aa. At the August 9, 2017, Authority Board meeting, the Authority Board voted to approve the financial report for July 2017 which included the payment of $1,199.77 to First National Bank Visa credit card 5754 that included Meyer's hotel room down payment. i. Meyer was present and voted to approve the July 2017 financial report. 2. Meyer's hotel balance of $686.60 was paid on September 13, 2017, using Klink's Authority -issued Visa credit card 5754. aa. Authority records show that the credit card with the hotel balance was paid via an internet payment on October 2, 2017. i. At the November 1, 2017, Authority Board meeting, the Authority Board voted to approve the financial report for October 2017 which included the payment of $8,261,49 to First National Bair% Visa credit card 5754 that included Meyer's hotel balance. ii. Meyer was present and voted to approve the October 2017 financial report. 42. The Authority paid personal expenses of $257.02 for Meyer to attend the 2017 Annual Conference: Date Weekday Expense 9/9/2017 Saturday Hershey Lodge Bar (3:59 p.m.) Amount $23.00 Meyer, 21-025 Page 15 9/9/2017 Saturday Hershey Lodge Room Package & taxes $209.79 9/10/2017 Sunday Hershey Fire & Grain (9:16 a.m.) $20.48 9/10/2017 Sunday Hershey Seanery Lodge (ice cream cone) (1:52 p.m.) $3.75 Total $257.02 2018 ANNUAL CONFERENCE — BAYFRONT CONVENTION CENTER, ERIE 43. The 2018 Annual Conference was held in Erie, Pennsylvania from Sunday, September 9, 2018, through Wednesday, September 12, 2018, at the Bayfront Convention Center, 1 Sassafras Pier, Erie, Pennsylvania. 44. The Authority paid a conference registration fee of $295.00 for Meyer to attend the Annual Conference. a. The registration fee was paid with Authority check #10934 dated June 22, 2018, payable to PMAA. I. The check had the signature stamp of Kean Staab and Tucker and Klink's initials. aa. At the July 11, 2018, Authority Board meeting, the Authority Board voted to approve the June 2018 financial report which included Authority check #10934 to PMAA in the amount of $3,106.00 that included Meyer's Annual Conference registration fee. i. Meyer was not present at the meeting. b. The Annual Conference registration fee included an opening ceremonies complimentary breakfast on Monday, September 10, 2018, and a complimentary breakfast and complimentary lunch on Tuesday, September 11, 2018. 45. Meyer was registered for PMAA-sponsored events that required an additional fee to be paid as show below: Date Event Cost 9/9/2018 Sunset Dinner Cruise $38.00 9/10/2018 Board Members Lunch $29.00 9/1012018 Banquet $59.00 9/11/2018 Night on the Bayfront $59.00 9/12/2018 Conference Closing Breakfast -Ghost Stories of Eric $18.00 Total $203.00 a. The fees to attend the additional PMAA-sponsored events were paid with Authority check #10934 dated June 22, 2018, payable to PMAA. 1. The check had the signature stamp of Kean Staab and Tucker and Klink's initials. MeL, 2 ] -025 Page 16 aa. At the July 11, 2018, Authority Board meeting, the Authority Board voted to approve the June 2018 financial report which included Authority check #10934 to PMAA in the amount of $3,106.00 that included payment for Meyer's additional PMAA-sponsored events. i. Meyer was not present at the meeting. 46. Meyer was registered to stay at the Courtyard by Marriott, 2 Sassafras Pier, Erie, PA 16507 when he attended the Annual Conference. a. The folio showed that Meyer arrived Saturday, September 8, 2018, 3:03 p.m. and departed Tuesday, September 11, 2018, 10:17 a.m. b. The Saturday night room rate was $25 1. 00/night plus $32.63 in taxes, and the room rate for Sunday through Monday night was $210.00/night plus $27.30 in taxes. 47. Annual Conference registration occurred on Sunday, September 9, 2018, from 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., and the Annual Conference "Welcome" started at 8:30 p.m. on Sunday, September 9, 2018. a. The Authority paid an additional $251.00 plus $32.63 in taxes for Meyer's Saturday night room at the Courtyard by Marriott. The Authority paid an additional $19.66 charged to Meyer's room for food and an alcoholic beverage on Saturday, September 8, 2018, at 6:41 p.m. 2. The Authority paid an additional $6.62 charged to Meyer's room for food on Sunday, September 9, 2018, at 7:02 a.m. 48. Charges incurred to Meyer's room account at the Marriott included the following: Total Occupancy Restaurant Expense Date Weekday Room Taxes Charges Per Day 9/8/2018 Saturday $251.00 $32.63 $19.66 $303.29 9/9/2018 Sunday $210,00 $27.30 $6.62 $243.92 9/10/2018 Monday $210.00 $27.30 - $237.30 Total $784.51 a. Meyer's total hotel charge of $784.51 was paid with Klink's Authority -issued Visa credit card 5754 on September 13, 2018. b. Klinlc's Authority credit card statement showed payment of the hotel charge via an internet payment on October 29, 2018. Meyer, 21-025 Page 17 1. At the November 14, 2018, Authority Board meeting, the Authority Board voted to approve the October 2018 financial report which included the payment to First National Bank Visa credit card 5754 that included payment of Meyer's hotel charges. aa. Meyer was present and voted to approve the October 2018 financial report. 49. On September 10, 2019, which was the night of the Awards Banquet, there were six guests at the Shoreline Bar & Grille prior to the Awards Banquet. a. Meyer's share of the receipt ($126.60) was $21.10. 50. On September 11, 2018, which was the Night on the Bayfront dinner, the Authority attendees and guest had drinks at the Shoreline Bar & Grille. a. Meyer's share of the receipt ($99.00) was $12.38. 51. The Authority paid additional personal expenses of $343.39 for Meyer to attend the 2018 Annual Conference. Date Weekday Expense Amount 9/8/2018 Saturday Restaurant Room Charge $19.66 9/8/2018 Saturday Room Charge & taxes $283.63 9/9/2018 Sunday Restaurant Room Charge $6.62 9/10/2018 Sunday Shoreline Bar & Grille (Klink $126,60 6 gsts $21.10 ea) $21.10 9/11/2019 Monday Shoreline Bar & Grille (drinks Klink $99.00 8 gsts $12.38 ea) $12.38 Total $343.39 2019 ANNUAL CONFERENCE — KALAHARI RESORTS, POCONO MANOR 52. The 2019 Annual Conference was held in Pocono Manor, Pennsylvania from Sunday, September 8, 2019, through Wednesday, September 11, 2019, at the Kalahari Resorts & Conventions — Pocono Mountains located at 250 Kalahari Boulevard, Pocono Manor, PA 18349. 53. The Authority paid a conference registration fee of $295.00 for Meyer to attend the Annual Conference. a. The conference registration fee was charged on July 31, 2019, to Klink's Authority - issued First National Bank Visa credit card 5754. 1. Klink's credit card statement showed payment of the registration fee via internet payment on August 26, 2019. aa. At the September 11, 2019, Authority Board meeting, the Authority Board voted to approve the August 2019 financial report which Meyer., 21-025 Page 18 included the payment to First National Bank Visa credit card 5754 that included Meyer's conference registration fee. i. Meyer was not present at the meeting. b. The Annual Conference registration fee included an opening ceremonies complimentary breakfast on Monday, September 9, 2019, and a complimentary breakfast and complimentary lunch on Tuesday, September 10, 2019. 54. Meyer was registered for PMAA-sponsored events that required an additional fee to be paid as shown below: Date Event Cost 9/9/2019 Board Members/Solicitors Lunch $30.00 9/9/2019 Banquet $59.00 9/10/2019 Night on the Boma $59,00 9/11 /2019 Closing Breakfast $21.00 Total $169.00 a. The fees to attend the additional PMAA-sponsored events were charged to Klink's Authority -issued First National Bank Visa credit card 5754 on July 31, 2019. 1. Klink's credit card statement showed that the fees to attend the additional PMAA-sponsored events were paid via internet payment on August 26, 2019. aa. At the September 11, 2019, Authority Board meeting, the Authority Board voted to approve the August 2019 financial report which included the $4,716.66 total payment to First National Bank Visa credit card 5754 that included Meyer's additional PMAA-sponsored event fees. i. Meyer was not present at the meeting. 55. Meyer was registered to stay at the Kalahari Resort located at the same address as the conference - 250 Kalahari Boulevard, Pocono Manor, PA 18349. a. Meyer arrived on Sunday, September 8, 2019, and departed on Wednesday, September It, 2019. 1. The room rate was $179.00/night plus taxes. 56. Charges to Meyer's room account at Kalahari included the following: Meyer, 21-025 Page 19 57 58. State Total Occupancy Occupancy Expense Date Weekday Room Sales Tax Tax Per Dav 9/8/2019 Sunday $179.00 $10.74 $5.37 $195.11 9/9/2019 Monday $179.00 $10.74 $5.37 $195.11 9/ 1012019 Tuesday $179.00 $10.74 $5.37 $195.11 Total $585.33 Meyer's hotel charges were paid with Klink's Authority -issued Visa credit card 5754. a. A deposit of $195.11 on November 28, 2018, was made to Kalahari Resort using Klink's Authority -issued Visa credit card 5754. 1. Authority records show that the credit card with the hotel deposit was paid via an internet payment on December 17, 2018. aa. At the January 9, 2019, Authority Board meeting, the Authority Board voted to approve the December 2018 financial report which included the payment to First National Bank Visa credit card 5754 in the amount of $3,722.22 that included the deposit for Meyer's Kalahari Resort hotel room. i. Meyer was not present at the meeting. b. A deposit of $390.22 was made using Klink's Authority -issued Visa credit card 5754 on August 31, 2019. 1. Authority records show that the credit card with the hotel deposit ($390.22) was paid via an internet payment on October 25, 2019. aa. At the November 6, 2019, Authority Board meeting, the Authority Board voted to approve the October 2019 financial report which included the payment to First National Bank Visa credit card 5754 in the amount of $15,048.14 that included the hotel deposit for Meyer's Kalahari Resort hotel room. i. Meyer was present and voted to approve the November 2019 financial report. The Authority paid personal expenses of $10.38 for Meyer to attend the 2019 Annual Conference as shown below: Date Weekday Expense Amount 9/8/2019 Sunday Ivory Coast (Klink 4 alcoholic drinks $10.38 ea.) $10.38 a. Meyer did not submit a request to the Authority for reimbursement of expenses other than for mileage. Meyer, 21-025 Page 20 THE FOLLOWING FINDINGS RELATE TO MEYER'S EXPENSES IN RELATION TO WATER ENVIRONMENT FEDERATION TECHNICAL EXHIBITIONS AND CONFERENCES ATTENDED IN 2016, 2017, 2018, AND 2019. 59. The Water Environment Federation ("WEF") is a not for profit technical and educational organization of individual members and affiliated member associations representing water quality professionals around the world, and it provides technical education and training for water quality professionals who clean water and return it safely to the environment. 60. WEF has an annual Technical Exhibition and Conference ("WEFTEC"). a. WEFTEC was held in New Orleans in 2016 and 2018 at the Ernest J. Morial Convention Center. I. The Ernest J. Morial Convention Center has 1.1 million square feet of prime, contiguous exhibit space. b. WEFTEC was held in Chicago in 2017 and 2019 at the McCormick Place Convention Center. 1. The McCormick Place Convention Center has 2.6 million square feet of exhibit space. C. In its conference announcement, WEF identified the official conference hotels. 1. WEF provided complimentary shuttle bus access to the Exhibition Hall for those staying inside the WEFTEC hotel block. 61. WEFTEC runs from Saturday through Wednesday each year. a. An attendee can register to attend the full conference or register just for admission to the Exhibition Hall. b. WEFTEC offers various pre -conference and conference workshops, luncheons, receptions, and networking events at an additional cost. 1. Registration at WEFTEC did not include any meals unless an attendee was registered for a luncheon, reception or networking event. aa. No Authority representatives and/or their guests were registered for the luncheons, receptions or networking events. C. The Exhibition Hall opens Monday morning and runs through Wednesday. Meyer, 21-025 Page 21 1. The Exhibition Hall includes vendor displays and technology advancements. aa. To gain admission to the Exhibition Hall, an attendee must pay a registration fee and pick up their badge/lanyard at the convention center or one of the designated hotel satellite locations identified in the conference announcement. i. An attendee can pick up their badge/lanyard for the Exhibition Hall any day from Saturday through Wednesday at the designated locations and during designated times identified in the conference announcement. 2. The vendor displays in the Exhibition Hall include different types of pumps, pump systems, wastewater structure rehabilitation supplies, filters, pump lining, chemical metering pumps, etc. aa. Most of the products at the Exhibition Hall are the same each year. 62. Meyer, Tucker, Tucker's guest, Kean Staab, Klink, and Klink's guest were registered only for the Exhibition Hall during the years 2016 through 2019. a. They were not registered for any pre -conference or conference workshops, luncheons, receptions, or networking events. b. The time they spent in the host city on Saturday was not related to Authority business. 63. Eric Tissue ("Tissue") previously worked as an engineer with KLH Engineers. a. In 2000/2001 the Authority became one of Tissue's clients at KLH Engineers. b. Tissue suggested to Klink that he (Klink) should attend WEFTEC to see the equipment to be used in their new plant. C. At an Authority Board meeting in 2013, Klink asked for Authority Board approval to attend WEFTEC. 1. At the August 14, 2013, Authority Board meeting, Kean Staab requested that the Authority Board consider offering the opportunity to attend WEFTEC in Chicago to any interested Authority Board Members and Klink. aa. After a lengthy discussion it was agreed that any Authority Board Members were welcome to attend with all expenses paid by the Authority. Mey, 21-025 Page 22 2. At the September 11, 2013, Authority Board meeting Kean Staab announced that Tucker, Meyer, Klink, and herself were planning to attend WEFTEC 2013 in Chicago from Friday, October 4, through Monday, October 7, 2013. 64. Authority Board Members and Klink have been attending WEFTEC since at least 2013. a. The Authority Board meeting minutes do not show the Authority Board voting each year to specifically attend WEFTEC. b. Other than the 2013 Authority Board meeting minutes, the Authority Board meeting minutes do not show who attended WEFTEC. 65. While other Authority Board Members brought guests to WEFTEC, Meyer did not do so, and any references to costs incurred by guests in the following findings are not applicable to Meyer. 66. The hotel rooms for WEFTEC were charged to Klink's Authority -issued Visa credit card 5754. 67. When they attended WEFTEC, the Authority representatives and their guests had group dinners. a. The group dinners were charged to Klink's Authority -issued Visa credit card 5754. b. Sometimes they had group lunches which were also charged to Klink's Authority - issued Visa credit card 5754. C. The group lunches and dinners were unrelated to WEFTEC and were social, not educational in nature. 68. When they attended WEFTEC, the Authority representatives and their guests participated in group excursions. a. The group excursions usually occurred on Saturday or Sunday. I. The group excursions were unrelated to WEFTEC and were social, not educational, in nature. 2. The group excursions were charged to Klink's Authority -issued Visa credit card 5754. b. In 2019, the Authority travelers and their guests did not have group excursions but went on individual excursions. Meyer, 21-025 Page 23 69. Authority Board Members who went to WEFTEC did not provide a summation or report on their experiences. 70. Meyer, as an Authority Board Member, regularly attended WEFTEC since at least 2014. WEFTEC 2016, NEW ORLEANS 71. WEFTEC 2016 was held in New Orleans, Louisiana at the New Orleans Ernest J. Morial Convention Center, 900 Convention Center Boulevard, New Orleans, LA 70130. a. The Exhibition Hall was open from Monday, September 26, 2016, to Wednesday, September 28, 2016, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. each day. b. The Authority paid $60.00/person for access only to the Exhibition Hall for the Authority representatives and their guests. G. The total registration charge was $420.00, indicating that seven individual passes to the Exhibition Hall were purchased. 1. The Authority paid $60.00 for Meyer to access only the Exhibition Hall. d. Meyer's registration fee was charged to Klink's Authority -issued Visa credit card 5754 on September 23, 2016. 1. Klink's credit card statement showed payment of the registration fees via an internet payment on October 26, 2016. aa. At its November 9, 2016, Authority Board meeting, the Authority Board voted to approve the October 2016 financial report which included the $6,624.01 total payment to First National Bank Visa credit card ending 5754. i. Meyer was present and voted to approve the October 2016 financial report. 72. Meyer flew to New Orleans via American Airlines, arriving Saturday, September 24, 2016, and departing Tuesday, September 27, 2016. a. Meyer's airfare of $362.00 was charged to Klink's Authority -issued Visa credit card 5754 on May 24, 2016. 1. Authority records show that the credit card statement with the airfare to New Orleans was paid via an internet payment on June 26, 2016. Meyer, 21-025 Page 24 aa. At the July 13, 2016, Authority Board meeting, the Authority Board voted to approve the June 2016 financial report which included the payment to First National Bank Visa credit card 5754 in the amount of $2,690.62 that included Meyer's airfare to New Orleans. i. Meyer was present and voted to approve the June 2016 financial report. 73. In its 2016 Conference Announcement, WEF identified the official WEFTEC hotels. a. The Royal Sonesta Hotel, 300 Bourbon Street, New Orleans, LA, was an official WEFTEC 2016 hotel with a room rate of $209.00/night plus taxes and assessment. 1. With taxes and assessment, the room fee was $243.92/night. b. Klink booked hotel rooms for Saturday night September 24, 2016, checking out Tuesday September 27, 2016, for Meyer, Kean Staab, Tucker, and himself. I. The rooms were charged to his Authority -issued Visa credit card 5754. 74. Charges to Meyer's Royal Sonesta room account in 2016 were as follows: Taxes & Hotel Room Related Charges Date Weekday Rate Charges per Day 9/24/2016 Saturday $209.00 $34.92 $243.92 9/25/2016 Sunday $209.00 $34.92 $243.92 9/26/2016 Monday $209.00 $34.92 $24392 Total $731.76 a. Meyer's hotel charge of $731.76 was paid via Klink's Authority -issued Visa credit card 5754 on September 27, 2016. 1. Klink's credit card statement reflecting Meyer's hotel charge was paid via internet payment on October 26, 2016. aa. At its November 9, 2016, Authority Board meeting, the Authority Board voted to approve the October 2016 financial report which included the $6,624.01 total payment to First National Bank Visa credit card ending 5754. Meyer was present and voted to approve the October 2016 financial report. 75. While at WEFTEC 2016, the Authority representatives and their guests had group meals at Olde Nawlins Cookery, Deanie's Seafood, and Pier 424 Seafood Market. Meyer, 21-025 Page 25 9/24/2016 Saturday 01de Nawlins Cookery $225.78 9/24/2016 Saturday Deanie's Seafood $330.21 9/25/2016 Sunday Pier 424 Seafood Market $531.77 a. The group meals were charged to Klink's Authority -issued Visa credit card 5754. b. Tucker's guest Baker, Kean Staab's guest Samantha Staab ("S. Staab"), and Klink's guest Kathy Klink ("K. Klink") attended the group meals in 2016 with the Authority representatives. 76. The receipt for the meal on Saturday, September 24, 2016, at Olde Nawlins Cookery, 729 Conti Street, New Orleans, LA 70130, showed that there were seven guests, for an average individual meal cost of $32.25/guest; the tab opened at 11:47 a.m., payment was made at 12:45 p.m. 77. The credit card charge receipt for the meal on Saturday, September 24, 2016, at Deanie's Seafood, 841 Iberville Street, New Orleans, LA 70112, showed that Klink's Authority - issued Visa credit card was swiped at 9:45 p.m. and the charged amount was $330.21, including tip. a. There were seven guests at the group meal, for an average individual meal cost of $47.17/guest. 78. The credit card charge receipt for the meal on Sunday, September 25, 2016, at Pier 424 Seafood Market, 435 Bourbon Street, New Orleans, LA 70130, showed that Klink's Authority -issued Visa credit card was swiped at 8:16 p.m. and the bill amount was $531.77, including tip. a. There were seven guests at the group meal with an individual meal cost of $75.97/guest. 79. The Authority representatives and their guests took a swamp/plantation tour through Cajun Pride Tours, on Sunday, September 25, 2016. a. Seven adult tickets for the Cajun Pride Tour, totaling $686.00, were charged to Klink's Authority -issued Visa credit card 5754, costing $98.00/ticket for Meyer, Tucker, Tucker's guest Baker, Kean Staab, Kean Staab's guest S. Staab, Klink, and Klink's guest K. Klink. b. The Cajun Pride Tour was unrelated to WEFTEC 2016 and unrelated to Authority business. Pickup time for the tour was between 10:30 a.m. and 11:00 a.m., and the drop off time was between 5:30 p.m. and 6:00 p.m., outside the Royal Sonesta Hotel. 80. The Authority representatives and their guests' group meals and excursions were charged to Klink's Authority -issued Visa credit card 5754. Mey_e , 21-025 Page 26 a. Klink's Authority -issued Visa credit card statement reflecting these charges showed that payment was made via internet payment on October 27, 2016. At its November 9, 2016, meeting, the Authority Board voted to approve the October 2016 financial report which included the $6,624.01 total payment to First National Bank Visa credit card ending 5754. aa. Meyer was present and voted to approve the October 2016 financial report. 81. The night before his flight to New Orleans to attend WEFTEC 2016, Meyer stayed at the Hampton Inn Pittsburgh Airport, arriving Friday, September 23, 2016, and departing Saturday, September 24, 2016. a. The day Meyer flew back to Pittsburgh after attending WEFTEC 2016, he stayed at the Hampton Inn Pittsburgh Airport, arriving Tuesday, September 27, 2016, and departing Wednesday, September 28, 2016. b. Both of Meyer's Hampton Inn stays were charged to Dvorsky's Authority -issued Visa credit card 5770: $135.66 on September 25, 2016, and $166.46 on September 29, 2016. The October 2016 bill list presented as part of the November 9, 2016, Authority Board meeting showed that Dvorsky's Authority -issued Visa credit card 5770, which included the two Hampton Inn stays, was paid electronically. 1. At its November 9, 2016, Authority Board meeting, the Authority Board voted to approve the October 2016 financial report which included the $419.10 total payment for First National Bank Visa credit card 5 77 0. aa. Meyer was present and voted to approve the October 2016 financial report. 82. The Authority had a N.S.S.J.M.A. Expense Statement in Meyer's name with a handwritten listing of expenses for mileage and checked luggage fees to be reimbursed relative to the WEFTEC 2016 trip, which totaled $143.96. a. The Authority issued check #9690 dated September 30, 2016, in the amount of $14396, with facsimile signatures of Kean Staab and Tucker and Klink's initials, made payable to Meyer. At the October 12, 2016, Authority Board meeting, the Authority Board voted to approve the September 2016 financial report, which included Authority check #9690 to Meyer in the amount of $143.96. Meyer, 21-025 Page 27 aa. Meyer was present and voted to approve the September 2016 financial report. 83. The Authority paid additional personal expenses of $723.46 for Meyer to attend WEFTEC 2016 in New Orleans. Date Weekday Item Descril2tion Amount 9/23/2016 Friday Hampton Inn Moon Township PA $135.66 9/24/2016 Saturday Royal Sonesta Room Charges $243.92 9/24/2016 Saturday Deanie`s Seafood (Saturday $330.21 7 guests $47.17 ea) $47.17 9/24/2016 Saturday OLS Nawlins Cookery (Saturday $225.78 7 guests $32.25 ea) $32.25 9/25/20I6 Sunday Cajun Pride Tours LaPlace LA ($686 - 7 guests = $98/guest) $98.00 9/27/2016 Tuesday Hampton Inn Moon Township PA $166.46 $723.46 WEFTEC 2017, CHICAGO 84. WEFTEC 2017 was held in Chicago, Illinois at the McCormick Place Convention Center, 2301 S Lake Shore Drive, Chicago, IL 60616. a. The Exhibition Hall at McCormick Place Convention Center was open from Monday, October 2, 2017, through Wednesday, October 4, 2017, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. each day. b. The Authority paid $75.00/person for access only to the Exhibition Hall for the Authority representatives and their guests. C. The total registration charge was $450.00, indicating that six individual passes to the Exhibition Hall were purchased. 1. The Authority paid a registration fee of $75.00 for Meyer to access only the Exhibition Hall. 85. Registration fees of $150.00 and $300.00 were charged to Klink's Authority -issued Visa credit card 5754 on September 30, 2017, but appeared on the September 2017 and October 2017 monthly statements, respectively. a. The total registration fees paid indicated that six individual passes to the Exhibition Hall were purchased. b. Klink's credit card statement showed payment of the $150.00 registration fees via internet payment on October 2, 2017. 1. At its November 1, 2017, Authority Board meeting, the Authority Board voted to approve the October 2017 financial report which included the $8,261.49 total payment to First National Bank Visa credit card 5754. Meyer, 21-025 Page 28 aa. Meyer was present and voted to approve the October 2017 financial report. C. Klink's credit card statement showed payment of the $300.00 registration fees via internet payment on November 26, 2017. I. At its December 6, 2017, Authority Board meeting, the Authority Board voted to approve the November 2017 financial report which included the $10,185.16 total payment to First National Bank Visa credit card 5754. aa. Meyer was present and voted to approve the November 2017 financial report. 86. Meyer flew to Chicago via American Airlines, arriving Saturday, September 30, 2017, and returning Wednesday, October 4, 2017. 87. Using his personal Chase Southwest Rapid Rewards credit card, Meyer purchased his own airline ticket on June 1, 2017. a. His Chase Southwest Rapid Rewards credit card showed that the roundtrip ticket was $292.60. I. Meyer flew out of Huntington Tri-State Airport, in Huntington, West Virginia. b. On September 11, 2017, Meyer forwarded to Dvorsky the email he received from American Airlines on June 1, 2017, with his flight confirmation, and he requested that the $282.60 be included when she sent him his mileage check for the 2017 PMAA Annual Conference. C. The Authority issued check 410075 dated September 11, 2017, in the amount of $587.55, with facsimile signatures of Kean Staab and Tucker and Klink's initials, made payable to Meyer, which included the flight reimbursement and the 2017 PMAA Annual Conference mileage. 1. At its October 11, 2017, Authority Board meeting, the Authority Board voted to approve the September 2017 financial report which included check #10075 payable to Meyer. aa. Meyer was present and voted to approve the September 2017 financial report. d. Meyer did not submit a mileage reimbursement form for the WEFTEC 2017 trip. 88. In WEF's 2017 Conference Announcement, the official WEFTEC hotels had nightly room rates ranging from $179.00/night to $289.00/night. Mey_ei, 21-025 Page 29 a. The Authority representatives and their guests stayed at the Embassy Suites Hotel, 511 N Columbus Drive, Chicago, IL 60611. 1. The Embassy Suites Hotel was not one of the official WEFTEC hotels. 2. As a result of not choosing one of the official WEFTEC hotels, the Authority had to pay an additional $30.00/night more than the highest nightly rate of the WEFTEC recommended hotels. b. Meyer's nightly room rate was $319.00/night plus taxes totaling $55.51. 1. With taxes his nightly room cost was $374.5I/night. C. Meyer's room was booked for Saturday night September 30, 2017, through Tuesday night October 2, 2017, checking out Wednesday October 4, 2017. I . The rooms were charged to Klink's Authority -issued Visa credit card 5754. d. The other Authority representatives checked in on Saturday, September 30, 2017, and checked out Tuesday, October 2, 2017. L Meyer stayed an extra night, leaving Wednesday while the other Authority representatives and their guests left Tuesday. 89. Charges to Meyer's room account at the Embassy Suites Hotel in 2017 were as follows: Daily Room Hotel Date Weekday Rate Taxes Charee 9/30/2017 Saturday $319.00 $55.51 $374.51 10/112017 Sunday $319.00 $55.51 $374.51 10/2/2017 Monday $319.00 $55.51 $374.51 10/3/2017 Tuesday $319.00 $55.51 $374.51 Total $1,498.04 a. Meyer's hotel charge of $1,498.04 was paid via Klink's Authority -issued Visa credit card 5754 on October 5, 2017. Klink's credit card statement reflecting Meyer's hotel charge was paid via internet payment on November 26, 2017. aa. At its December 6, 2017, Authority Board meeting, the Authority Board voted to approve the November 2017 financial report which included the $10,185.16 total payment to First National Bank Visa credit card 5754. M ye er, 21-025 Page 30 i. Meyer was present and voted to approve the November 2017 financial report. 90. While at WEFTEC 2017, the Authority travelers had group dinners at Riva Ristorante Navy Pier, 700 E Grand Avenue, Chicago, IL and Fogo de Chao, 661 North LaSalle Street, Chicago, IL. 91. Klink's Authority- issued Visa credit card 5754 showed charges for Riva Ristorante, Navy Pier Events & Rides, and Get Your Guide Tickets. 9/30/2017 Riva Ristorante $510.32 9/30/2017 Navy Pier Events & Rides $90.00 10/1/2017 Get Your Guide Tickets $239.70 a. The Riva Ristorante Navy Pier credit card charge receipt that Klink turned in to Dvorsky showed the charge date and time was Saturday, September 30, 2017 08:33 p.m. b. After the group dinner at Riva Ristorante Navy Pier, the six Authority representatives and guests took a ride on the Centennial Wheel at the Navy Pier. 1. The Navy Pier Centennial Wheel receipt turned in by Klink to Dvorsky showed that six $15.00 adult tickets for a total of $90.00 were purchased on Saturday, September 30, 2017, at 9:03 p.m. aa. The Navy Pier Centennial Wheel was unrelated to WEFTEC 2017 and unrelated to Authority business. C. While at WEFTEC 2017, Klink purchased a ticket useable for a period of one week for each Authority representative and their guest for a tour bus/double decker bus to visit different venues/tourist spots in Chicago. 1. There was a charge to Klink's Authority -issued Visa credit card 5754 on October 1, 2017, for Get Your Guide Tickets, $239.70 ($39.95 per ticket). 2. Get Your Guide Tickets can be used for the Hop -On Hop -Off bus tour, among other sightseeing tours and activities. 3. The tour bus/double decker bus was unrelated to WEFTEC 2017 or Authority business. 92. Klink's Authority -issued Visa credit card statement reflecting the charges for the Riva Ristorante group meal and the excursions was paid via internet payment on November 26, 2017. M ye e_r, 21-025 Page 31 a. At its December 6, 2017, Authority Board meeting, the Authority Board voted to approve the November 2017 financial report which included the $10,185.16 total payment to First National Bank Visa credit card 5754. 1. Meyer was present and voted to approve the November 2017 financial report. 93. The group dinner at Fogo de Chao ($584.05) on October 1, 2017, was charged to Klink's personal Visa credit card because his Authority -issued Visa credit card was maxed out. a. The Authority issued check #10155 dated October 4, 2017, in the amount of $594.05, with facsimile signatures of Kean Staab and Tucker and Klink's initials, made payable to Mike Klink. At its November 1, 2017, Authority Board meeting, the Authority Board voted to approve the October 2017 financial report which included Authority check #10155 in the amount of $584.05 payable to Mike Klink. aa. Meyer was present and voted to approve the October 2017 financial report. 94. The Authority paid additional personal expenses of $902.10 for Meyer to attend WEFTEC 2017 in Chicago. Date Weekday item Description Amount 9/30/2017 Saturday Embassy Suites $374.51 9/3012017 Saturday Navy Pier Centennial Wheel ($15/person 6 tickets purchased) $15,00 9/30/2017 Saturday Riva Navy Pier ($510.32 6 attendees $85.05 ea) $85.05 10/1/2017 Sunday Get Your Guide Tickets Berlin ($239.70 6 attendees $39.95/person) $39.95 10/1/2017 Sunday Fogo de Chao (6 guests $85.00 alcohol $13.08 ea) $13.08 10/3/2017 Tuesday Embassy Suites $374.51 $902.10 WE, FTEC 2018, NEW ORLEANS 95. WEFTEC 2018 was held in New Orleans, Louisiana at the New Orleans Ernest J. Morial Convention Center, 900 Convention Center Boulevard, New Orleans, LA 70130. a. The Exhibition Hall was open from Monday, October 1, 2018, to Wednesday, October 3, 2018, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. each day. b. The Authority paid $75.00/person for access only to the Exhibition Hall for the Authority representatives and their guests. C. The total registration charge was $450.00, indicating that six individual passes to the Exhibition Hall were purchased. Meyer, 21-025 Page 32 1. The Authority paid a registration fee of $75.00 for Meyer to access only the Exhibition Hall. 96. The registration fee was charged to Klink's Authority -issued Visa credit card 5754 on September 27, 2018. a. Klink's credit card statement showed payment of the charge via an internet payment on October 26, 2018. 1. At its November 14, 2018, Authority Board meeting, the Authority Board voted to approve the October 2018 financial report which included the $9,610.89 total payment to First National Bank Visa credit card 5754. aa. Meyer was present and voted to approve the October 2018 financial report. 97. Using his Chase Southwest Rapid Rewards credit card, Meyer purchased his own airline ticket to New Orleans on September 15, 2018. a. His Chase Southwest Rapid Rewards credit card showed the purchase of a round- trip ticket and early bird fees. Meyer flew out of John Glenn Columbus International Airport in Columbus, Ohio. b. In a note to the attention of Mike Klink, dated October 11, 2018, Meyer stated that he was requesting $240.05 in reimbursement relative to the WEFTEC 2018 trip, and he listed the itemized expenses for which he was seeking reimbursement. Hotel $149.85 RIT Flight $51.20 Shuttle $24.00 Tip for Drivers $15.00 Total $240,05 1. Meyer used points for the round-trip flight from Columbus to New Orleans and was only seeking reimbursement of $51.20 for airline fees, etc. 2. Meyer included a copy of a Four Points by Sheraton Columbus Ohio Airport folio for $149.85, showing a one-night stay arriving Friday, September 28, 2018, and departing Saturday, September 29, 2018, and a meal. 3. Meyer included a receipt for shuttle service from the New Orleans airport to the Royal Sonesta Hotel ($24.00) on Saturday, September 29, 2018. aa. Meyer also requested reimbursement of tips for drivers ($15.00). Meyer, 21-025 Page 33 C. The Authority issued check #11295 dated October 22, 2018, in the amount of $240.05, with facsimile signatures of Kean Staab and "fucker and Klink's initials, made payable to Meyer. At the November 14, 2018, Authority Board meeting, the Authority Board voted to approve the October 2018 financial report which included check #11295 payable to Meyer in the amount of $240.05, aa. Meyer was present and voted to approve the October 2018 financial report. 98. In its 2018 Conference Announcement, WEF identified the official WEFTEC hotels with nightly room rates ranging from $167.00/night to $279.00/night. a. The Royal Sonesta Hotel, 300 Bourbon Street, New Orleans, LA was an official WEFTEC 2018 hotel with a room rate of $222.00/night plus taxes and assessment. 1. With taxes and assessment, the room fee was $257.74 night. Room► Charge $222.00 State Hotel Tax 9.45% $20.98 Room Occupancy Tax $2.00 City Hotel Tax 5%* $8.88 OTS Assessment 1.75% $3.89 $257.74 *Actual City Hotel Tax charge was 4% which is reflected in $8.88. 99. Using her Royal Sonesta Travel Pass membership, Kean Staab booked four rooms at Royal Sonesta New Orleans, checking in Saturday, September 29, 2018, and checking out Wednesday, October 3, 2018. a. Because Kean Staab did not book the Royal Sonesta Hotel rooms through the WEFTEC Housing agent, the Authority did not get the WEFTEC Royal Sonesta room rate of $222.00/night plus taxes but instead paid $429.00 plus taxes for their Saturday night stay and $399.00 plus taxes per night for their Sunday through Tuesday night stays. b. The rooms were charged to Klink's Authority -issued Visa credit card 5754. 100. Charges to Meyer's Royal Sonesta room account (4027) in 2018 were as follows: Taxes & Hotel Room Related Charges Date Weekday Rate Charges per Day 9/29/2018 Saturday $429,00 $67.21 $496.21 9/30/2018 Sunday $399.00 $62.65 $461.65 10/1/2018 Monday $399.00 $62.65 $461.65 Meyer, 21-025 Page 34 10/2/2018 Tuesday $399.00 $62.65 $461.65 Total $1,881.16 a. Meyer's room charges of $1,881.16 were paid on October 3, 2018, using Klink's Authority -issued Visa credit card 5754. I. Klink's credit card statement reflecting Meyer's hotel charge was paid via internet payment on November 26, 2018. aa. At its December 12, 2018, Authority Board meeting, the Authority Board voted to approve the November 2018 financial report which included the $12,542.49 total payment to First National Bank Visa credit card ending 5754. i. Meyer was present and voted to approve the November 2018 financial report. 101. While at WEFTEC 2018, the Authority representatives and their guests had group dinners at Antoine's Restaurant and New Orleans Creole Cookery, had a group lunch at Olde Nawlins Cookery, and took excursions through Tickets At Work. a. The group meals and group excursions were charged to Klink's Authority -issued Visa credit card 5754. 9/29/2018 Olde Nawlins Cookery $399,04 10/1/2018 Antoine's Restaurant $394.42 10/1/2018 Antoine's Restaurant $427.03 10/2/2018 New Orleans Creole Cookery $734.63 9/18/2018 TicketsAtWork.com $372,00 9/19/2018 TlcketsAtWork.Com $283.38 $2,599.50 102. Klink turned in the guest copy of the credit card charge receipt for the Saturday, September 29, 2018, meal at Olde Nawlins Cookery, which showed that Klink's Authority -issued Visa credit card was swiped at 12:45, and the total bill was $388.04. a. There were nine people present and partaking in the meal, for an individual meal charge of $43.12/individual. b. Klink's credit card statement reflecting the Olde Nawlins Cookery receipt was paid via internet payment on October 26, 2018. At its November 14, 2018, Authority Board meeting, the Authority Board voted to approve the October 2018 financial report which included the $9,610.89 total payment to First National Bank Visa credit card 5754. Mier, 21-025 Page 35 aa. Meyer was present and voted to approve the October 2018 financial report. 103. Klink's Authority -issued Visa credit card statement showed two charges at Antoine's Restaurant on October 1, 2018, totaling $821.45. a. The October 1, 2018, receipt from Antoine's Restaurant showed the check opened at 6:04 p.m. and closed at 8:22 p.m. 1. There were eight people participating in the meal, for an individual meal charge of $102.68/individual. aa. Others attended the meal as guests of Kean Staab, but they paid for themselves and were not included in the charges to Klink's Authority -issued Visa credit card 5754. b. Klink turned in the guest copy of the credit card charge receipt for the Tuesday, October 2, 2018, meal at New Orleans Creole Cookery, which showed that Klink's Authority -issued Visa credit card was swiped at 8:14 p.m., and the total bill was $714.63. I . There were nine people present and partaking in the meal, for an individual meal charge of $81.63/individual. C. Klink's credit card statement reflecting the Antoine's Restaurant and New Orleans Creole Cookery charges was paid via internet payment on November 26, 2018. I. At its December 12, 2018, Authority Board meeting, the Authority Board voted to approve the November 2018 financial report which included the $12,542.49 total payment to First National Bank Visa credit card 5754. aa. Meyer was present and voted to approve the November 2018 financial report. 104. While at WEFTEC 2018, the Authority representatives and their guests went to a jazz brunch buffet. a. Seven tickets for the jazz brunch buffet totaling $283.38 ($40.08/person) were purchased through Tickets at Work on September 18, 2018, and charged to Klink's Authority -issued Visa credit card 5754. 1. The seven tickets were for Tucker and his guest Baker, Kean Staab and her guest S. Staab, Meyer, and Klink and his guest K. Klink. Meyer, 21 -025 Page 36 b. Seven sightseeing flex passes with three choices of places to visit, totaling $372.00 ($53.14/person), were purchased through Tickets at Work and charged to KIink's Authority -issued Visa credit card 5754. 1. The seven tickets were for Kean Staab, S. Staab, Tucker, Balzer, Meyer, Klink, and K. Klink. aa. Using the sightseeing flex pass, some of the individuals went to the Mardi Gras Museum, and some then also went to the World War 11 Museum and a swamp tour. C. The four exclusions were done over two days, Sunday and Monday. d. The excursions Meyer took were unrelated to WE1iTEC 2018 and unrelated to Authority business. 1. The Monday excursions taken by Meyer occurred during the hours the Exhibition Hall that the Authority had paid for Meyer to access was open. 105. Klink's credit card statement reflecting the purchase of the Tickets at Work for the seven jazz brunch buffet tickets and the seven sightseeing flex passes was paid via internet payment on October 26, 2018. a. At its November 14, 2018, Authority Board meeting, the Authority Board voted to approve the October 2018 financial report which included the $9,610.89 total payment to First National Bank Visa credit card ending 5754. 1. Meyer was present and voted to approve the October 2018 financial report. 106. S. Staab, C. Staab, and Lyman also attended group meals with Authority travelers. a. Balser stayed with Tucker and attended group meals with Authority travelers. b. K. Klink stayed with Klink and attended group meals with Authority travelers. 107. The Authority paid additional personal expenses of $697.66 for Meyer to attend WEFTEC 2018 in New Orleans. Date Item Description Amount 9/28/2018 Friday Four Points by Sheraton room charge & food $149.85 9/29/2018 Saturday Olde Nawlins Cookery (12:45 $388.04 9 guests $43.12 ea) $172.48 Royal Sonesta Saturday stay room rate & taxes WrFTEC 9/29/2018 Saturday rate $257.74 9/30/2018 Sunday TicketsAtWork.com ($283.38 7 Guests $40.49 ea) $40.48 9/30-10/1/2018 Sun/Mon TicketsAtWork.com ($372.00 7 Guests $53.14 ea) $53.14 10/1/2018 Monday Antoine's Restaurant (Alcohol $71.75/8 $8.97 ea) $8.97 Tips $15.00 Me}�er, 21-025 Page 3 7 Total $697.66 WEFTEC 2019, CHICAGO 108. WEFTEC 2019 was held in Chicago, Illinois at the McCormick Place Convention Center, 2301 South Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, Chicago, IL 60616. a. The Exhibition Hall at McCormick Place Convention Center was open Monday, September 23, 2019, and Tuesday, September 24, 2019, from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. each day, and Wednesday, September 25, 2019, from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. b. The Authority paid $75.00/person for access only to the Exhibition Hall for the Authority representatives and their guests. C. The total registration charge was $450,00, indicating that six individual passes to the Exhibition Hall were purchased. The Authority paid $75.00 for Meyer to access only the Exhibition Hall. 2. Klink's credit card statement showed payment of the $450.00 registration fees via internet payment on October 25, 2019. aa. At its November 6, 2019, Authority Board meeting, the Authority Board voted to approve the October 2019 financial report which included the $15,048.14 total payment to First National Bank Visa credit card 5754. i. Meyer was present and voted to approve the October 2019 financial report. 109. Meyer submitted an expense statement to the Authority, seeking reimbursement for expenses he incurred, including $324.00 for his roundtrip flight to Chicago. a. Meyer attached a Southwest flight schedule for a roundtrip flight from John Glenn Columbus International Airport to Chicago Midway Airport, departing Saturday, September 21, 2019, and returning Wednesday, September 25, 2019. b. Meyer also attached receipts for airport parking for the same dates ($38.50) and cab dated Monday, September 23, 2019, for $15.90, including a $2.65 tip. C. The Authority issued check #12374 dated October 30, 2019, in the amount of $378.40, with facsimile signatures of Kean Staab and Tucker and Klink's initials, made payable to Meyer. At the November 6, 2019, Authority Board meeting, the Authority Board voted to approve the October 2019 financial report which included check H12374 payable to Meyer in the amount of $378.40. Meyer, 21-025 Page 3 8 aa. Meyer was present and voted to approve the October 2019 financial report. 110. In its 2019 Conference Announcement, WEF provided an online address and a phone number for attendees to book their hotel and a website to download a list of the official conference hotels offering discounted rates ranging from $195.00/night to $299.00/night. a. The Authority representatives and their guests stayed at the Ivy Boutique Hotel, 233 East Ontario Street, Chicago, IL 60611. The Ivy Boutique Hotel was not an official WEFTEC 2019 hotel. b. Meyer's room was booked for Saturday night September 21, 2019, through Tuesday night September 24, 2019. C. Meyer's nightly room rate was $399.00 plus taxes of $69,43, totaling $468.43 for his Saturday stay, and $369.00 plus taxes of $64.21, totaling $433.21 for his Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday night stays. 1. The rooms were charged to Klink's Authority -issued Visa credit card 5754. 2. As a result of not choosing one of the official WEFTEC hotels, the Authority had to pay an additional cost per room of $82.18/night more than the highest nightly rate of the WEFTEC recommended hotels. 111. Charges to Meyer's room account at Ivy Boutique Hotel in 2019 were as follows: Taxes & Hotel Room Related Room Charllis Date Weekday Rate Charees Charge per Day 9/21/2019 Saturday $399.00 $69.43 $13.01 $481.44 9/22/2019 Sunday $369,00 $64.21 $5.00 $438.21 9/2312019 Monday $369.00 $64.21 $10.06 $443.27 9/24/2019 Tuesday $369.00 $64.21 - $433.21 $1,506.00 $262.06 $28.07 $1,796.13 a. By staying in Chicago on Saturday night, when the Exhibition Hall did not open until Monday and the badges could only be picked up on Sunday, the Authority representatives incurred an additional hotel charge of $468.43. b. Meyer's hotel charges of $1,796.13 were paid via Klink's Authority -issued Visa credit card 5754 on September 25, 2019. 1. Klink's credit card statement reflecting Meyer's hotel charges of $t,796.13 was paid via internet payment on October 25, 2019. Meyer, 21-025 Page 39 aa. At its November 6, 2019, Authority Board meeting, the Authority Board voted to approve the October 2019 financial report which included the $15,049.14 total payment to First National Batrlc Visa credit card 5754. i. Meyer was present and voted to approve the October 2019 financial report. 112. While at WEFTEC 2019, the Authority travelers had group dinners at Riva Ristorante, Gene and Georgetti, and GT Prime. a. The group dinners were charged to Klink's Authority -issued Visa credit card 5754. 9/21/2019 Saturday Riva Ristorante $672.50 9/23/2019 Monday Gene & Georgetti $698.26 9/24/2019 Tuesday GT Prime $704.81 113. Klink turned in the guest copy of the credit card charge receipt for the Saturday, September 21, 2019, meal at Riva Navy Pier, which showed that Klink's Authority -issued Visa credit card 5754 was swiped at 8:28 p.m. and the total bill was $672.50. a. There were seven guests at the group meal, for an individual meal cost of $96.07/guest. 114. Klink turned in the guest copy of the credit card charge receipt for the Monday, September 23, 2019, meal at Gene & Georgetti, which showed that Klink's Authority -issued Visa credit card 5754 was swiped at 8:17 p.m. and the total bill was $698.26. a. There were seven guests at the group meal, for an individual meal cost of $99.75/guest. 115. Klink turned in the guest copy of the credit card charge receipt for the Tuesday, September 24, 2019, meal at GT Prime, which showed that Klink's Authority -issued Visa credit card 5754 was swiped at 8:26 p.m., the check amount was $579.91, and the tip was $125.00, for a total bill of $704.81, a. The GT Prime itemized receipt showed that there were seven guests at the group meal, and the individual meal cost was $100.69/guest. 116. Klink's Authority -issued Visa credit card statement reflecting the charges for group dinners, the hotel charges, taxi charges, and other Chicago -related expenses was paid via internet payment on October 25, 2019. a. At its November 6, 2019, Authority Board meeting, the Authority Board voted to approve the October 2019 financial report which included the $561.42 total payment for First National Bank Visa credit card 5754. Meyer, 21-025 Page 40 1. Meyer was present and voted to approve the October 2019 financial report. 117. The Authority paid additional personal expenses of $572,20 for Meyer to attend WEFTEC 2019 in Chicago. Date Item Description Amount 9/21/2019 Saturday Riva Ristorante ($672.50 guests $96.07 ea) $96.07 9/21/2019 Saturday Ivy Hotel room & tax $468,43 9/25/2019 Wednesday The Parking Spot (9/21 to 25/2019 $38.50 5 days $7.701day) $7.70 $572.20 118. Meyer, in his capacity as an Authority Board Member, realized a pecuniary benefit of no less than $3,870.07 when he utilized the authority of his public position and voted to approve the payment of bills relative to expenses incurred by him when attending the PMAA Annual Conference during calendar years 2016, 2017, 2018, and 2019, and WEFTEC in calendar years 2016, 2017, 2018, and 2019. 2016 2017 2018 2019 Total PMAA Conference $363.86 $257.02 $343,39 $10.38 $974,65 WEFTEC Conference $723.46 $902.10 $697.66 $572.20 $2,895.42 Totals by Year $1,087.32 $1,159,12 $1,041,05 $582.58 $3,870.07 RESPONSE TO AUTHORITY TRAVEL 119. During multiple Authority Board meetings, Kean Staab publicly stated that there was nothing wrong with using Authority funds to pay all expenses incurred on trips. 120. Following an Authority Board meeting in early 2020, Kean Staab and Authority Solicitor Alan Shaddinger talked, and Shaddinger suggested to Kean Staab that the Authority Board needed to draft a policy regarding Authority travel. a. With the exception of mileage reimbursement, the Authority had no formal policy regarding travel until 2020. 121. At its April 8, 2020, meeting, the Authority Board approved policies written by Kean Staab, including Training and Seminar (Article X) for employees, Board Members, and the manager. a. Article X4 states, "Board members and the Manager are permitted to attend PMAA State Conference and National Conferences that provide educational opportunities as approved by the Board." b. ArticIe X5 states, "Board members shall be compensated for mileage at the federal mileage rate, costs related to travel, and hotel costs. Meal costs of maximum of $100.00 per day for overnight travel in state." Meyer, 21-025 Page 41 C. Article X6 states, "Board members shall be compensated for mileage at the federal mileage rate, costs related to travel, and hotel costs. Meal costs of maximum of $150.00 per day for overnight travel for out of state." 122. The 2020 U.S. General Services Administration ("GSA") meals and incidentals rate for Chicago was $76.00/day; the rate for the first and last day of travel was $57.00. 123. The 2020 U.S. GSA meals and incidentals rate for New Orleans was $71.00/day; the rate for the first and last day of travel was $53.25. 124. On September 20, 2021, Kean Staab provided information to Commission Investigators regarding Authority travel and what Authority attendees could or could not do. a. Kean Staab stated there were no rules, nobody set a rule that said you had to go do anything or go to the Exhibition Hall while at the PMAA Conference or WEFTEC; there were no rules like that. THE FOLLOWING FINDINGS RELATE TO THE ALLEGATIONS THAT MEYER FAILED TO FILE STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL INTERESTS FOR CALENDAR YEARS 2016, 2017, 2018, AND 2019 AND FILED A DEFICIENT STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL INTERESTS FOR CALENDAR YEAR 2020. 125. Statements of Financial Interests ("SFIs") are required to be annually filed by public officials/public employees with the governing authority of the political subdivision within which he/she is appointed or elected. a. SFIs are required to be filed by no later than May 1" of each year that a public off cial/public employee holds public office/employment. b. SFIs require filers to disclose financial information pertaining to the preceding calendar year. 126. Information to be disclosed on SFIs filed by public officials and public employees is mandated by 65 Pa.C.S. § 1105. a. Section 1105(b)(1) through Section 1105(b)(10) identifies specific information to be disclosed as well as exceptions to disclosure requirements when applicable. 1. Section 1105(b)(1) directs the disclosure on SFIs of the "Name, address and public position." 127. Meyer, as a Member of the Authority Board, was required to file SFIs annually for each calendar year in which he served on the Authority Board. 128. The Authority only had an SFI for Meyer as a Board Member for the Authority for calendar year 2020. Meyer, 21-025 Page 42 a. b. Year The Authority did not have a record of Meyer filing SFIs as a Board Member for calendar years 2016, 2017, 2018, or 2019. The calendar year 2020 SFI the Authority had on file included deficiencies as follows: Position 2020 Board Member Signed Deficiencies Box 04 Listed "Secretary" should be "Board Member" Box 06 Did not answer 2/23/2020 Incorrect signature date 129. On January 26, 2022, Meyer emailed amended calendar year 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, and 2020 SFIs to Buffy Kornman, Authority Business Manager. a. The amended calendar year 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, and 2020 SFIs were all dated January 26, 2022. b. Meyer failed to identify his position as a "board member," failed to identify rental income he received, and failed to identify his ownership/employment with YPC- Tutor, a web hosting service. Calendar Year Position Signed Status Deficiencies 04 Meyer did not identify his public position of Board Member Board 10 Meyer did not identify rental income received 2016 Member 1/26/2022 Deficient Box 13 Meyer did not identify his ownership/employment in YPGTutor 04 Meyer did not identify his public position of Board Member Board 10 Meyer did not identify rental income received 2017 Member 1/26/2022 Deficient Box 13 Meyer did not identify his ownership/employment in YPGTutor 04 Meyer did not identify his public position of Board Member Board 10 Meyer did not identify rental income received 2018 Member 1/26/2022 Deficient Box 13 Meyer did not identify his ownershi /em to ment in YPC-Tutor 04 Meyer did not identify his public position of Board Member Board 10 Meyer did not identify rental income received 2019 Member 1/26/2022 Deficient Box 13 Meyer did not identify his ownershi /em to ment in YPCTutor 04 Meyer did not identify his public position of Board Member Board 10 Meyer did not identify rental income received 2020 Member 1/26/2022 Deficient Box 13 Meyer did not identify his ownership/employment in YPC-Tutor III, DISCUSSION: As a Member of the Board of the North and South Shenango Joint Municipal Authority ("Authority") from January 6, 2003, to January 4, 2021, Respondent Dieter Meyer ("Meyer") was a public official subject to the provisions of the Public Official and Employee Ethics Act ("Ethics Act"), 65 Pa. C.S. § 1101 et seq. Meer, 21-025 Page 43 The allegations are that Meyer violated Sections 1103(a), 1104(a), 1105(a), and 1105(b)(1) of the Ethics Act: (1) When he used the authority of his public position for the private pecuniary benefit of himself and/or a member of his immediate family when he participated in Authority votes to approve guest attendance and/or expense payments; when he incurred and charged expenses of a personal nature to authority credit cards and accounts when traveling on Authority business for conferences and/or conventions; and when he submitted for reimbursement expenses of a personal nature alleged to have been paid in cash or by personal credit card; (2) When he approved payments to vendors and/or credit card companies or himself for personal expenses incurred while traveling on Authority business; (3) When he failed to file Statements of Financial Interests ("SFIs") for calendar years 2016, 2017, 2018, and 2019; and (4) When he filed a deficient SFI for calendar year 2020 by failing to identify his occupation or profession and incorrectly dating his form. Pursuant to Section 1103(a) of the Ethics Act, a public official/public employee is prohibited from engaging in conduct that constitutes a conflict of interest: § 1103. Restricted activities (a) Conflict of interest. —No public official or public employee shall engage in conduct that constitutes a conflict of interest. 65 Pa,C.S. § 1103(a). The term "conflict of interest" is defined in the Ethics Act as follows: § 1102. Definitions "Conflict" or "conflict of interest." Use by a public official or public employee of the authority of his office or employment or any confidential information received through his holding public office or employment for the private pecuniary benefit of himself, a member of his immediate family or a business with which he or a member of his immediate family is associated. The term does not include an action having a de minimis economic impact or which affects to the same degree a class consisting of the general public or a subclass consisting of an industry, occupation or other group which includes the public official or public employee, a member of his immediate family or a business with which he or a member of his immediate family is associated. Meyer, 21-025 Page 44 65 Pa.C.S. § 1102. Subject to the statutory exclusions to the Ethics Act's definition of the term "conflict" or "conflict of interest," 65 Pa.C.S. § 1102, pursuant to Section 1103(a) of the Ethics Act, a public official/public employee is prohibited from using the authority of public office/employment or confidential information received by holding such a public position for the private pecuniary benefit of the public official/public employee himself, any member of his immediate family, or a business with which he or a member of his immediate family is associated. Section 1104(a) of the Ethics Act provides that each public official/public employee must file an SFI for the preceding calendar year, by May 1 of each year that he holds the position and the year after he leaves it. Section 1105(a) of the Ethics Act provides that the SFl shall be filed on the form prescribed by this Commission; that all information requested on the form shall be provided to the best of the knowledge, information and belief of the filer; and that the form shall be signed under oath or equivalent affirmation. Section 1105(b) of the Ethics Act and its subsections detail the information that a person required to file the SFI form must disclose. Section 1105(b)(2) of the Ethics Act requires the filer to disclose on the SFI his occupation or profession. As noted above, the parties have submitted a Consent Agreement and Stipulation of Findings. The parties` Stipulated Findings are set forth above as the Findings of this Commission. We shall now summarize the relevant facts as contained therein. Background The Authority was established by North Shenango Township and South Shenango Township. The purpose of the Authority is to construct, finance, and operate a wastewater treatment facility for the area of North and South Shenango Townships. The Authority is governed by a six -Member Board, with three Members appointed by the North Shenango Township Supervisors and three Members appointed by the South Shenango Township Supervisors. When the Authority was established, the North and South Shenango Township Supervisors chose not to allow Authority Board Members to be compensated. On January 6, 2003, Meyer began serving on the Authority Board as an appointee of North Shenango Township. Although Meyer lived out of state, he qualified for service on the Authority Board as a result of owning property in North Shenango Township, and he attended Authority Board meetings via telephone or a web conference platform. Meyer resigned from the Authority Board effective January 4, 2021. MMeyer, 21-025 Page 45 Prior to 2020, the Authority did not have a comprehensive operations manual outlining its day-to-day operations. In January 2016, the Authority Board voted to approve the payment of out- of-pocket expenses related to travel for training for Authority Board Members and employees. In January 2017, January 2018, and January 2019, the Authority Board voted to approve payment of out-of-pocket expenses and mileage related to travel for training for Authority Board Members and employees and their guests. The Authority Board did not vote on attending specific conferences, trainings or meetings, and minutes of Authority Board meetings from 2016 onward do not show any discussion or information shared as to what was learned when Authority Board Members or employees attended conferences, trainings, or meetings. From 2013 through 2019, the Authority's annual budget had a line item for Authority Board expenses which included funds to travel to conferences, trainings, and meetings. As detailed in Fact Finding 17a, each year from 2014 through 2019, the Authority budgeted $10,000 for Authority Board expenses, with the exception of 2015, when the Authority budgeted $20,000 for such expenses. Each year from 2014 through 2019 the amount spent on Authority Board expenses exceeded the expense budget. As detailed in Fact Finding 17a, the yearly amount spent in excess of the expense budget ranged from $5,945 to $20,522. In or around 2016, the Authority issued First National Bank Visa credit cards to the Authority General Manager, Michael Klink ("Klink"), and the Authority Secretary/Bookk-ceper, Susan Dvorsky ("Dvorsky"). Expenses that were incurred by Authority Board Members when traveling were typically charged to Klink's and Dvorsky's Authority -issued credit cards. Meyer's Expenses for Attendina Pennsylvania Municipal Authorities Association Events The Pennsylvania Municipal Authorities Association ("PMAA") is the recognized association for municipal authorities in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. PMAA was established "to assist municipal authorities in providing services that protect and enhance the environment and promote the economic vitality and general welfare of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and its citizens." PMAA holds an Annual Conference and Trade Show ("Annual Conference") for its Members. Each year from at least 2016 through 2019, Meyer attended the Annual Conference, which was held in August or September over a four -day period that began on a Sunday and ended the following Wednesday. The Authority paid for Meyer's Annual Conference registration fee and his lodging. Registration for the Annual Conference took place on Sunday from 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., and the Annual Conference "Welcome" began at 8:00 or 8:30 p.m, that night. Each year from 2016 through 2018, Meyer arrived at the location hosting the Annual Conference on Saturday and stayed at a hotel/lodge overnight even though the Annual Conference "Welcome" did not begin until Sunday evening. The costs for lodging, meals, and other travel - related expenses that would not have been incurred but for Meyer's early arrival for the Annual Conference were charged to Klink's Authority -issued credit card. Meyer did not arrive a day early for the 2019 Annual Conference. Meyer, 21-025 Page 46 Each year from 2016 through 2019, the Authority paid $59.00 for Meyer to attend an evening Awards Banquet at the Annual Conference. At the 2016 Annual Conference and at the 2018 Annual Conference, Meyer joined other Authority representatives for food and drinks at a restaurant/bar the evening of the Awards Banquet. The costs of the Authority representatives' food and drinks were charged to Klink's Authority -issued credit card even though the Authority had paid for the Authority representatives to attend the Awards Banquet. Each year from 2016 through 2019, the Authority paid various personal expenses incurred by Meyer in relation to his attendance at the Annual Conference. These personal expenses are summarized below. (1) 2016 Annual Conference, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, from Sunday, August 28 through Wednesday, August 31, personal expenses totaling $363.86, including: (a) an extra hotel room charge of $215.46, $48.66 for food expenses, and $30.00 for valet parking related to Meyer's early arrival on Saturday, August 27; (b) $38.15, representing Meyer's share of the cost of food/drinks for a gathering of Authority representatives before the Awards Banquet; (c) $21.59, representing Meyer's share of the cost of food/drinks for a gathering of Authority representatives after the Awards Banquet; and (d) $10.00 for a taxi. See, Fact Finding 34. (2) 2017 Annual Conference, Hershey, Pennsylvania, from Sunday, September 10 through Wednesday, September 13, personal expenses totaling $257.02, including: (a) an extra lodging charge of $209.79 and $20.48 for food expenses related to Meyer's early arrival on Saturday, September 9; (b) $23.00 for alcoholic beverages charged to Meyer's room on Saturday; and (c) $3.75 for an ice cream cone purchased early Sunday afternoon. See, Fact Finding 42. (3) 2018 Annual Conference, Erie, Pennsylvania, from Sunday, September 9 through Wednesday, September 12, personal expenses totaling $343.39, including: (a) an extra hotel room charge of $283.63 related to Meyer's early arrival on Saturday, September 8; (b) $19.66 for food and an alcoholic beverage charged to Meyer's room on Saturday; (c) $6.62 for food charged to Meyer's room Sunday morning; (d) $21.10, representing Meyer's share of the cost of food/drinks for a gathering of Authority representatives before the Awards Banquet; and (e) $12.38, representing Meyer's share of the cost of drinks for a gathering of Authority representatives after an Annual Conference dinner. See, Fact Finding 51. (4) 2019 Annual Conference, Pocono Manor, Pennsylvania, from Sunday, September 8 through Wednesday, September 11, personal expenses totaling $10.3 8 for an alcoholic drink. See, Fact Finding 58. Meyer's Expenses for AttendinL, Water Environment Federation Events The Water Environment Federation ("WEF") is a not for profit technical and educational organization of individual members and affiliated member associations representing water quality professionals around the world, and it provides technical education and training for water quality Meyer, 21-025 Page 47 professionals who clean water and return it safely to the environment. WEF has an annual Technical Exhibition and Conference ("WEFTEC"). WEFTEC runs from a Saturday through the following Wednesday, with an Exhibition Hall open from Monday through Wednesday. The Exhibition Hall includes vendor displays of pump systems, wastewater treatment products, and technology advancements. Most of the products at the Exhibition Hall are the same each year. An attendee can register to attend the full conference or register only for admission to the Exhibition Hall. At an Authority Board meeting in August 2013, Authority General Manager Klink asked for approval to attend WEFTEC in Chicago, Illinois in October 2013. At the meeting, it was agreed that any Authority Board Members were welcome to attend WEFTEC with all expenses paid by the Authority. Authority Board Members and Klink have been attending WEFTEC since at least 2013. Each year from 2016 through 2019, Meyer, Authority Board Member Valerie Kean Staab ("Kean Staab"), Authority Board Member John Tucker ("Tucker") and his guest, and Klink and his guest attended WEFTEC. The attendees were registered only for the Exhibition Hall. Each year from 2016 through 2019, Meyer flew to the city hosting WEFTEC on Saturday even though the Exhibition Hall did not open until Monday. The time that Meyer spent in the host city on Saturday was not related to Authority business. From 2016 through 2018, Meyer's travel expenses at times included costs for lodging and meals that were incurred as a result of Meyer staying at a hotel overnight Friday before flying to WEFTEC on Saturday, staying at a hotel an extra night in the host city, or staying overnight at a hotel after returning from WEFTEC. Each year from 2016 through 2019, Meyer joined other Authority representatives and their guests who had arrived early for WEFTEC for group meals on Saturday. These group meals were charged to Klink's Authority -issued credit card. The Authority representatives and their guests also participated in individual or group excursions or other tourist -type experiences, usually on a Saturday or Sunday, that were unrelated to WEFTEC and social in nature and that were charged to Klink's Authority -issued credit card. Other expenses were charged to credit cards that the Authority issued to Kean Staab, Tucker, or other Authority representatives. Each year the Authority paid various personal expenses incurred by Meyer in relation to his attendance at WEFTEC. The Authority paid these personal expenses either as a result of the use of Authority -issued credit cards or as a result of the Authority issuing checks as reimbursement for claimed expenses. The personal expenses paid by the Authority included: (1) lodging and meal costs that were incurred only as a result of Meyer traveling to the city hosting WEFTEC on Saturday; (2) other lodging and meal costs that were incurred only as a result of Meyer staying at a hotel overnight Friday before flying to WEFTEC on Saturday, staying at a hotel an extra night in the host city, or staying at a hotel after returning from WEFTEC; (3) Meyer's share of the costs of group meals that took place on Saturday, two days before the Exhibition Hall opened; and (4) costs related to Meyer's participation in excursions or other tourist -type experiences. WEFTEC 2016 Meyer, 21-025 Page 48 For WEFTEC 2016, in New Orleans, Louisiana, the Exhibition Hall was open from Monday, September 26, through Wednesday, September 28. Meyer stayed at the Hampton Inn at Pittsburgh International Airport overnight Friday, September 23, before flying to the host city on Saturday, September 24. After Meyer flew back to Pittsburgh on Tuesday, September 27, after attending WEFTEC 2016, he again stayed overnight at the Hampton Inn at Pittsburgh International Airport. The personal expenses paid by the Authority totaled $723.46 and included: (a) an extra hotel room charge of $135.66 incurred as a result of Meyer staying at the Hampton Inn at Pittsburgh International Airport overnight Friday; (b) an extra hotel room charge of $243.92 incurred as a result of Meyer arriving in New Orleans on Saturday; (c) $79.42, representing Meyer's share of the costs of two Saturday group meals; (d) $98.00 for a ticket for Meyer to take a swamp/plantation tour through Cajun Pride Tours; and (e) an extra hotel room charge of $166.46 incurred as a result of Meyer staying at the Hampton Inn at Pittsburgh International Airport after returning from WEFTEC 2016. See, Fact Finding 83. WEFTEC 2017 For WEFTEC 2017, in Chicago, Illinois, the Exhibition Hall was open from Monday, October 2, through Wednesday, October 4. Meyer flew to Chicago on Saturday, September 30, and he stayed in Chicago an extra night before he returned from WEFTEC 2017. The personal expenses paid by the Authority totaled $902.10 and included; (a) an extra hotel room charge of $374.51 incurred as a result of Meyer arriving in Chicago on Saturday; (b) $85.05, representing Meyer's share of the cost of a Saturday group dinner; (c) $15.00 for a ticket for Meyer to ride the Centennial Wheel at the Navy Pier and $39.95 for a ticket for Meyer for a tour bus/double decker bus to visit tourist spots; (d) $13.08 for alcohol; and (e) an extra hotel room charge of $374,51 incurred as a result of Meyer staying in Chicago an extra night before returning from WEFTEC 2017. See, Fact Finding 94. WEFTEC 2018 For WE, 2018, in New Orleans, the Exhibition Hall was open from Monday, October 1, through Wednesday, October 3. Meyer stayed at the Four Points by Sheraton at Columbus Ohio Airport overnight Friday, September 29, before flying to New Orleans on Saturday, September 29. The personal expenses paid by the Authority totaled $697,66 and included: (a) an extra hotel room charge of $149.85 incurred as a result of Meyer staying at the Four Points by Sheraton at Columbus Ohio Airport overnight Friday; (b) an extra hotel room charge of $257.74 incurred as a result of Meyer arriving in New Orleans on Saturday; (c) various amounts representing Meyer's share of the costs of a Saturday group dinner, a Sunday group brunch, and alcoholic beverages; (d) $53.14 for a sightseeing pass for Meyer; and (e) $15.00 for tips. See, Fact Finding 107. WEFTEC 2019 For WEFTEC 2019, in Chicago, the Exhibition Hall was open from Monday, September 23, through Wednesday, September 25. Meyer flew to Chicago on Saturday, September 21. The personal expenses paid by the Authority totaled $572.20 and included: (a) an extra hotel room Meyer, 21-025 Page 49 charge of $468.43 incurred as a result of Meyer arriving in Chicago on Saturday; (b) $96.07, representing Meyer's share of the cost of a Saturday group dinner; and (c) $7.70 for an additional day of parking. Sce, Fact Finding 117. Meyer's Approval of Payments for Personal Expenses From 2016 through 2019, Meyer, as an Authority Board Member, voted to approve approximately eight monthly financial reports that included payments for personal expenses related to his attendance at PMAA's Annual Conference and WEFTEC. These payments included payments to the bank that issued the Authority's credit cards and checks payable to Meyer as reimbursement for expenses that he claimed. The parties have stipulated that Meyer realized a pecuniary benefit of no less than $3,970.07 when he voted to approve payments for personal expenses that he incurred in relation to his attendance at the aforesaid events. MUer's SFIs As an Authority Board Member, Meyer was annually required to file an SFI by May I containing information for the prior calendar year. The Authority had no record of Meyer filing SFIs for calendar years 2016, 2017, 2018, or 2019 and had only an SFI for Meyer for calendar year 2020. Meyer's SFI for calendar year 2020 did not correctly identify his public position, did not list his occupation or profession, and was incorrectly dated. Although Meyer filed SFI forms for calendar years 2016 through 2020 with the Authority on January 26, 2022, his forms contained multiple deficiencies as detailed in Fact Finding 129 b. Having highlighted the Stipulated Findings and issues before us, we shall now apply the Ethics Act to determine the proper disposition of this case. The parties' Consent Agreement sets forth a proposed resolution of the allegations as follows: The Investigative Division will recommend the following in relation to the above allegations: That a violation of Section 1103(a) of the Public Official and Employee Ethics Act, 65 Pa.C.S. § 1103(a), occurred when Meyer used the authority of his public position for the private pecuniary benefit of himself when he incurred and caused to be charged expenses of a personal nature to Authority credit cards and accounts when traveling on Authority business for conferences and/or conventions; and when he submitted for reimbursement expenses of a personal nature paid in cash or personal credit card; and when he participated in Authority votes to approve expense payments, including credit cards or to himself, and Meyer., 21-025 Page 50 which included the personal expenses referenced above; b. That a violation of Section 1104(a) of the Public Official and Employee Ethics Act, 65 Pa.C.S. § 1104(a), occurred when Meyer failed to file Statements of Financial Interests for calendar years 2016, 20t7, 2018, and 2019; and C. That a violation of Sections 1105(a) and 1105(b)(2) of the Public Official and Employee Ethics Act, 65 Pa.C.S. §§ 1105(a), 1105(b)(2), occurred when Meyer filed a deficient Statement of Financial Interests for calendar year 2020 by failing to identify his occupation or profession and incorrectly dating his form. 4. Meyer agrees to make payment in the amount of $3,500.00 in settlement of this matter and forwarded to the Pennsylvania State Ethics Commission, within thirty (30) days of the issuance of the final adjudication in this matter: a. Of that amount, $2,500.00 shall be payable to the North and South Shenango Joint Municipal Authority, and b. Of that amount, $1,000.00 shall be payable to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania in satisfaction of the civil penalty for the failure to file and deficient filing of Meyer's Statements of Financial Interests from 2016 through 2020. 5. Meyer agrees to file complete and accurate Statements of Financial Interests for calendar years 2016 through 2019 and an amended Statement of Financial Interests for calendar year 2020 with North and South Shenango Joint Municipal Authority, through the Pennsylvania State Ethics Commission, within thirty (30) days of the issuance of the final adjudication in this matter. 6. Meyer agrees to not accept any reimbursement, compensation or other payment from North and South Shenango Joint Municipal Authority representing a full or partial reimbursement of the amount paid in settlement of this matter. 7. The Investigative Division will recommend that the State Ethics Commission take no further action in this matter; and make no Meyer, 21-025 Page 51 specific recommendations to any law enforcement or other authority to take action in this matter. Such, however, does not prohibit the Commission from initiating appropriate enforcement actions in the event of Respondent's failure to comply with this agreement or the Commission's order or cooperating with any other authority who may so choose to review this matter further. a. The Respondent has been advised that as a matter of course, all orders from the Commission are provided to the Attorney General, albeit without any specific recommendations pursuant to paragraph 7 above. b. The Respondent has been advised that all orders become public records and may be acted upon by law enforcement as they deem appropriate. C. The non -referral language contained in this paragraph is considered an essential part of the negotiated consent agreement. Consent Agreement, at 1-3. In considering the Consent Agreement, we accept the parties' recommendation for a finding that a violation of Section 1103(a) of the Ethics Act occurred when Meyer used the authority of his public position for the private pecuniary benefit of himself when he caused expenses of a personal nature incurred when traveling on Authority business for conferences and/or conventions to be charged to Authority credit cards and accounts; when he submitted for reimbursement expenses of a personal nature paid in cash or by personal credit card; and when he participated in Authority votes to approve expense payments to credit cards or himself which included the aforesaid personal expenses. As detailed above, each year from 2016 through 2019, Meyer attended the PMAA Annual Conference and WEFTEC. Meyer incurred various personal expenses in relation to his attendance at these events, and his personal expenses were paid by the Authority through the use of Authority - issued credit cards or through reimbursement for expenses charged to personal credit cards or paid by cash. Meyer used the authority of his public position as a Member of the Authority Board when he: (1) extended his trips to three PMAA Annual Conferences at the Authority's expense by arriving a day early; (2) extended his trips to WEFTEC at the Authority's expense by flying to the host city a day early each year and staying at lodging more nights than were necessary for his trips; (3) participated at the Authority's expense in group meals and other gatherings of Authority representatives at PMAA Annual Conferences and WEFTEC that were not related to Authority business at those events; (4) sought reimbursement for personal expenses related to his attendance at WEFTEC; and (5) voted to approve approximately eight monthly financial reports that included payments — consisting of payments to the bank that issued the Authority's credit cards and checks Meyer, 21-025 Page 52 payable to Meyer — for personal expenses related to his attendance at PMAA Annual Conferences and WEFTEC. Meyer realized a private pecuniary benefit of no less than $3,870.07 when he voted to approve payments for personal expenses that he incurred in relation to his attendance at the aforesaid events. With each element of the recommended violation of Section 1103(a) established, we hold that a violation of Section 1 t03(a) of the Ethics Act, 65 Pa.C.S. § 1 t03(a), occurred when Meyer used the authority of his public position for the private pecuniary benefit of himself when he caused expenses of a personal nature incurred when traveling on Authority business for conferences and/or conventions to be charged to Authority credit cards and accounts; when he submitted for reimbursement expenses of a personal nature paid in cash or by personal credit card; and when he participated in Authority votes to approve expense payments to credit cards or himself which included the aforesaid personal expenses. Turning to the allegations regarding Meyer's SFIs, we agree with the parties, and we hold, that: (1) a violation of Section 1104(a) of the Ethics Act, 65 Pa.C.S. § 1104(a), occurred when Meyer failed to file SFIs for calendar years 2016, 2017, 2018, and 2019; and (2) a violation of Sections 1105(a) and I I05(b)(2) of the Ethics Act, 65 Pa.C.S. §§ I I05(a) and 1105(b)(2), occurred when Meyer filed a deficient SFl for calendar year 2020 by failing to identify his occupation or profession and incorrectly dating his form. As part of the Consent Agreement, Meyer has agreed to make payment in the total amount of $3,500.00 in settlement of this matter as follows. Meyer has agreed to make payment in the amount of $2,500.00 payable to the Authority and forwarded to this Commission within thirty (30) days of the issuance of the final adjudication in this matter. Meyer has further agreed to make payment in the amount of $1,000.00 payable to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania---- representing a civil penalty for his delinquent or deficient SFIs for calendar years 2016 through 2020 — within thirty (30) days of the issuance of the final adjudication in this matter. Meyer has agreed to not accept any reimbursement, compensation or other payment from the Authority representing a full or partial reimbursement of the amount paid in settlement of this matter. Meyer has further agreed to file complete and accurate SFIs for calendar years 2016 through 2019 and an amended SFI for calendar year 2020 with the Authority, through this Commission, within thirty (30) days of the issuance of the final adjudication in this matter. We determine that the Consent Agreement submitted by the parties sets forth a proper disposition for this case, based upon our review as reflected in the above analysis and the totality of the facts and circumstances. Accordingly, per the Consent Agreement of the parties, Meyer is directed to make payment in the amount of $2,500.00 payable to North and South Shenango Joint Municipal Authority and forwarded to this Commission by no later than the thirtieth (30"') day after the mailing date of this adjudication and Order. Meyer is further directed to make payment in the amount of $1,000.00 payable to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and forwarded to this Commission by no later than the thirtieth (30"') day after the mailing date of this adjudication and Order. Meyer., 21-025 Page 53 Meyer is directed to not accept any reimbursement, compensation or other payment from the Authority representing a full or partial reimbursement of the amount paid in settlement of this matter. To the extent he has not already done so, Meyer is directed to file complete and accurate SFIs for calendar years 2016 through 2019 and an amended SFI for calendar year 2020 with the Authority, through this Commission, by no later than the thirtieth (30"') day after the mailing date of this adjudication and Order. Compliance with the foregoing will result in the closing of this case with no further action by this Commission. Noncompliance will result in the institution of an order enforcement action. IV. CONCLUSIONS OF LAW: As a Member of the Board of the North and South Shenango Joint Municipal Authority ("Authority") from January 6, 2003, to January 4, 2021, Respondent Dieter Meyer ("Meyer") was a public official subject to the provisions of the Public Official and Employee Ethics Act ("Ethics Act"), 65 Pa.C.S. § 1101 et seMC . 2. A violation of Section 1103(a) of the Ethics Act, 65 Pa.C.S. § 1103(a), occurred when Meyer used the authority of his public position for the private pecuniary benefit of himself when he caused expenses of a personal nature incurred when traveling on Authority business for conferences and/or conventions to be charged to Authority credit cards and accounts; when he submitted for reimbursement expenses of a personal nature paid in cash or by personal credit card; and when he participated in Authority votes to approve expense payments to credit cards or himself which included the aforesaid personal expenses. 3. A violation of Section 1104(a) of the Ethics Act, 65 Pa.C.S. § 1104(a), occurred when Meyer failed to file Statements of Financial Interests for calendar years 2016, 2017, 2018, and 2019. 4. A violation of Sections 1105(a) and 1105(b)(2) of the Ethics Act, 65 Pa.C.S. §§ 1105(a) and 1105(b)(2), occurred when Meyer filed a deficient Statement of Financial Interests for calendar year 2020 by failing to identify his occupation or profession and incorrectly dating his form. In Re: Dieter Meyer, File Docket: 21-025 Respondent Date Decided: 4/12/23 Date Mailed: 4/14/23 I. A violation of Section 1103(a) of the Public Official and Employee Ethics Act (`Ethics Act"), 65 Pa.C.S, § 1103(a), occurred when Dieter Meyer ("Meyer"), as a Member of the Board of the North and South Shenango Joint Municipal Authority ("Authority"), used the authority of his public position for the private pecuniary benefit of himself when he caused expenses of a personal nature incurred when traveling on Authority business for conferences and/or conventions to be charged to Authority credit cards and accounts; when he submitted for reimbursement expenses of a personal nature paid in cash or by personal credit card; and when he participated in Authority votes to approve expense payments to credit cards or himself which included the aforesaid personal expenses. 2. A violation of Section 1104(a) of the Ethics Act, 65 Pa.C.S. § 1104(a), occurred when Meyer failed to file Statements of Financial Interests for calendar years 2016, 2017, 2018, and 2019. 3. A violation of Sections 1105(a) and 1105(b)(2) of the Ethics Act, 65 Pa.C.S. §§ 1105(a) and 1105(b)(2), occurred when Meyer filed a deficient Statement of Financial Interests for calendar year 2020 by failing to identify his occupation or profession and incorrectly dating his forth. 4. Per the Consent Agreement of the parties, Meyer is directed to make payment in the amount of $2,500.00 payable to North and South Shenango Joint Municipal Authority and forwarded to the Pennsylvania State Ethics Commission by no later than the thirtieth (30") day after the mailing date of this Order. 5. Meyer is directed to make payment in the amount of $1,000.00 payable to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and forwarded to the Pennsylvania State Ethics Commission by no later than the thirtieth (30"') day after the mailing date of this Order. 6. Meyer is directed to not accept any reimbursement, compensation or other payment from the Authority representing a full or partial reimbursement of the amount paid in settlement of this matter. 7. To the extent he has not already done so, Meyer is directed to file complete and accurate Statements of Financial Interests for calendar years 2016 through 2019 and an amended Statement of Financial Interests for calendar year 2020 with the Authority, through the Pennsylvania State Ethics Commission, by no later than the thirtieth (30"') day after the mailing date of this Order. Compliance with paragraphs 4, 5, 6, and 7 of this Order will result in the closing of this case with no further action by this Commission. M_ms e, 21-025 Page 55 a. Non-compliance will result in the institution of an order enforcement action. BY THE COMMISSION, Shelley Y. S s, Chair